Electrical Safety Tips

Summary: This list of home electrical safety tips will help to safeguard your family against potential hazards. By: Dave Rongey

Home Electrical Safety Checklist for to help Prevent Hazards

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This Home Electrical Safety Checklist includes the following Electrical Items:

Smoke Detectors
AFCI
GFCI
Cords
Light Bulbs
and other areas of the home.
This is not an all inclusive list.

• Test every Smoke Detector and replace the batteries as needed.
  Install Smoke Detectors in required areas. Smoke Detector and Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
  
  
• GFI or Ground Fault devices or circuits should be installed where required for electrical outlets in these areas: Kitchen, Bathroom, Garage, Basement, Outdoor and any other location specified by local and national codes.
  
  
• AFCI or Arc Fault circuit protection should be installed in bedroom areas following the specified codes by your local code enforcement authority.
  
  
• Examine extension cords every year. Throw away any strands that show signs of wear.
  
  
• Fixtures should have bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.
  
  
• Follow the directions that come with lighting decorations.
  
  
• Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords. Use a UL-Listed Plug Strip that has Overload Circuit Protection. Cold winter weather brings with it the need for space heating equipment. Make sure these devices are UL-Listed.
  
  
• Unplug light strands before replacing any bulbs. Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage.
  
  
• Replace light strand fuses with the same exact rated fuse. Consult the specifications. Do not exceed the allowed number of connected strands.
  
  
• Never use electric lights or decorative ornaments on a metallic tree. Consider using colored spotlights instead.
  
  
• Consider the kitchen table as a location when using a candle. Use a sturdy, heatproof container away from anything combustible including flower arrangements. Never leave a candle burning alone and never leave children alone with candles or matches. Candles can start fires and the hot wax can burn skin. If you ever get a burn use Aloe Vera gel, it works wonders!  * Adult Note: Be extra careful when mixing romance and candles, I’ve rewired a home that was totally destroyed due to an unstable candle on a nightstand. Have fun but be Safe!
  
  
• Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container with a lid until cold and place the container on bricks or on a heatproof surface. It could take several hours for coals to go out. Christmas vacations have been ruined when guests put ashes in a grocery bag and placed the bag on a wood deck which caught the deck on fire and the burned the home.
  
  
• After parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of good size ash trays for those who need a smoke.)
  Carbon Monoxide Detectors will help alert you and your family and are recommended for your home.
  [link to page]
  
  
• Have at least one operable Fire Extinguisher readily available.