Electrical Safety Tips

Safety Guidelines on Electrical Equipment For Home and Business Spaces

Read through some crucial tips on electrical safety guidelines provided by The Electrical Safety Foundation, International. Each of these pointers are to ensure that you are aware of your electrical equipment at home or business to avoid any kind of mishaps. If you’re facing any issues with your electrical devices, feel free to call the experts at Eggers Electric to fix it for you in no time. You’ll also get a one-year labor warranty upon hiring our experts.

Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.

Make sure cords are in good condition and not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to any other object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.

Check to see that cords are not overloaded. Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.

Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet. This could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESNT FIT. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.

GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs according to the manufacturers instructions monthly and after major electrical storms to make sure they are working properly. Replace all GFCIs that are not working properly, but never replace a GFCI with a standard non-GFCI outlet or circuit breaker. 

Do not use an appliance or device that trips a GFCI on a non-GFCI-protected circuit; instead, take the appliance to authorized repair center to be checked for faulty wiring or replace it.

Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely because loose bulbs may overheat.

Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the correctly specified size fuse.

Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they could come in contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it outeven if its turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance.

If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, dont use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.

If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.

Electric-powered mowers and other electric tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass or in wet conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If any part is damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair it or replace it. 

 

Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools. Remember to unplug all portable power tools when not in use. When using ladders, watch out for overhead wires and power lines.

Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs. 

 

Don't use them in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug when not in use. Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened circuit.

When using ladders, avoid contact with overhead wires and power lines. Stay at least 10 feet from all lines.

During an electrical storm, do not use appliances  like hairdryers, toasters, radiors or telephones, except in an emergency. Do not take a bath or shower, keep batteries handy for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage, and use surge protectors on electronic devices, appliances, phones, fax machines and modems.

Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. 

Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in childrens bedrooms or playrooms. Consider using cooler fluorescent floor lamps.

Unless you are qualified and experienced in electrical work, consider hiring a licensed electrician for electrical repairs, maintenance and installations. If you elect to perform such work, make sure you follow these safety basics:

  • Never work on or around hot lines. Always de-energize lines and equipment by disconnecting from the power source at the circuit breakers or fuses. Don't forget to test every conductor before you make contact with it.
  • Never use the ground wire as the neutral or circuit-carrying conductor. The ground wire is not designed to carry current continuously, but briefly under an abnormal condition. The neutral wire is designed as a current carrier and can carry as much current as the hot wire. Use a strip gauge on devices to strip the proper length of insulation from wires. Too little risks the screw tightening on plastic insulation, while too much leaves bare wires that can cause a dangerous contact. When using wire connectors, be sure the insulation on the wires is completely covered by the wire connector.

Eggers Electric is ready to help you with electrical services in Fort Collins, CO & nearby areas. Make a call here at 970-594-8438!

REQUEST A QUOTE

eggers-electric-logo


Donald
Donald
2024-02-17
I have used Eggers for years for my electric needs. Never disappointed.
Jeff Goodell
Jeff Goodell
2024-02-06
Great people and provide quality electrical work!
Cat Dols
Cat Dols
2024-02-03
Nick and Mike were great! Very professional, efficient, knowledgeable and on time!
Pat Harrison
Pat Harrison
2024-02-01
If you are looking for an electrician look no further! We had an electrical problem, not an emergency, but it was to us. Called Eggers Electric and was told it could be a day or two to send someone out. About an hour later we received a call that they could be here in about 20 minutes. Heather arrived and we told her what was going on. The solution was easy, finding the problem was another matter. Heather took her time to locate the problem. I can’t say enough about her professionalism and skill in locating and fixing the problem. I gave 5 stars because 10 wasn’t an option. I would highly recommend Eggers Electric to anyone with an electrical problem. Thank you Eggers Electric and in particular Heather!
Corey Fox
Corey Fox
2024-01-23
Eggers Electric comes through again! My doorbell wasn’t working consistently, literally leaving my guests standing outside in the cold! I called Eggers, and they scheduled my appt within the week. Eric H. was calm, knowledgeable and professional. He understood all components, and communicated the replacement steps and options to me beautifully (which I always appreciate. 🙂 Eggers Electric is my #1 choice for any electrical concerns or projects. I always feel safe, knowing the project has been done the right way with lasting results.
Kevin Boese
Kevin Boese
2023-12-28
Eric was very quick, efficient and informative… Egger Electric has always done a great job of serving me. Thank you
Patricia Kirk
Patricia Kirk
2023-12-28
Heather helped us troubleshoot an issue with our Electric Vehicle charger. She carefully analyzed the problem, proposed options and helped us select the best fix. She expertly made the repairs. Heather is an excellent communicator and highly proficient professional!
Annie Preshaw
Annie Preshaw
2023-12-08
I did not hire this business, but called them while I was working at a clients home as a home care provider and was stressed with the situation. They were so kind to walk me thru the problems I was having over the phone. This is a business that stands out. If I ever need an electrician this is who I will call and recommend. Thank you so much for going out of your way!
Angela Davidson
Angela Davidson
2023-12-06
David L. has been a great person to work with and comes in and gets the job done quickly with a great attitude.