We all know that electrical safety is important, but sometimes we don’t take the necessary precautions to ensure our safety and the safety of our loved ones.
According to Rosebery Housing Association, there are over 70 deaths a year and 350,000 injuries in the UK caused by electrical faults and issues.
You do not want these figures to include you or your family, which is why it’s so important to be aware of the dangers of electricity and take steps to protect yourself and your family! This quick-fire guide is here to help.
Let’s get into it.
5 Electrical safety tips for your home
#1. Check Your Appliances
It sounds simple, but checking your appliances for any signs of damage or wear and tear is an important step in electrical safety. If you notice any frayed wires or sparks when using them, it’s time to replace the appliance!
Also, ensure that all electric appliances are certified and have the correct safety mark label on them.
#2. Protect Your Plugs & Outlets
Make sure all of your plugs and outlets are correctly protected with covers that fit securely. Be sure to check them regularly and replace any that are damaged or worn out, as they can create a fire hazard.
#3. Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are great for protecting your electronics from electrical surges that can happen due to power outages or other electrical issues. Make sure your surge protectors are also rated for the right plug size and number of outlets you need.
You can pick up surge protectors pretty much anywhere that deals with electronics, and not only will they protect you but also your devices. Many devices aren’t designed to actively withstand power surges, so using a protector will prevent you from having to buy a new gadget altogether!
#4 – Store Wires and Cable Properly
Kids and pets can and will get everywhere.
So ensure all your electrical cords and wires are kept neatly away from kids or animals. You also want to make sure they’re not near any water source, such as a sink or bathtub, as this could cause an electrical shock if someone touches it while the water is running.
#5 – Allow Electrical Devices to Circulate Air
Finally, make sure your electrical appliances have plenty of space around them. This will help to circulate the air and keep them from getting too hot and causing a fire hazard.
This is why TVs need to have space behind them when on a stand or mounted to a wall, hairdryers should be used in open areas, and laptops and computer towers should be elevated from your lap or the floor.
Get the Professionals In
No matter how careful you are with electrical safety, it’s always a good idea to get a professional service, like TNS Electrical Services, into your home to check everything is working correctly and there are no underlying issues that could cause problems.
Taking the necessary steps for electrical safety in your home will help keep you and your family safe from any potential dangers of electricity. So follow these simple tips and get a professional service in to ensure you’re taking all the necessary precautions!