Electrical Safety Tips In and Around Your Home

Splices without a junction box are a code violation and fire hazard. Call Peter Young Hone Inspections before you buy your home.

Imagine life without electricity. Bet you can’t! Electricity runs everything from computers to refrigerators, hot water heaters, lights, heat, air conditioning and more. We might even say electricity is our friend. But it’s a fair weather friend. Turn your back on it, and it can kill you in a heartbeat. This month, Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young urges you to take a good, hard look at electrical safety in and around your home.

Outlets and Extension Cords

All electrical outlets in your home should be three-hole grounded outlets. If your home still has two-hole outlets, consider hiring an electrician to evaluate and upgrade your wiring.

Some devices have two-prong cords, such as kitchen blenders and lamps. That’s okay, but speaking of kitchen devices, the outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room (wherever there is water) should be special GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. Those are the ones with the little button in the middle for resetting them when they trip. They trip to cut off power if a problem (such as imminent electrocution) is detected on the circuit. This little feature can save your life. All outdoor outlets must be equipped with GFCIs. If they are not, have them replaced immediately.

Extension cords should be the heavy duty, three-pronged type. You must be sure the extension cord is rated for the amount of current you intend to deliver. If using the cord trips a circuit breaker or blows a fuse, unplug it immediately. You are putting too much power through it. Avoid cheap, “zip cord” two-prong extension cords. They are accidents waiting to happen.

Use extension cords sparingly. They are trip-and-fall hazards. Plug devices directly into wall outlets, whenever possible. If you use surge protectors for sensitive equipment, don’t add extension cords. Never run extension cords under rugs. If they become frayed, they could cause a fire. Always check extension cords periodically, and replace them if they appear damaged or frayed.

Finally, use safety plugs in unused outlets, especially in homes with toddlers.

Electrical Panels

Your electrical panel is where power enters the house. Electrical panels are located in the basement, garage, or utility room in most homes. There is a main switch that can shut off all the home’s power in an emergency. These days most panels contain circuit breakers, those plastic switches that can be set on or off. However, some older homes still have fuses in the electrical panels.

Fuses and circuit breakers trip occasionally. A blown fuse will have a broken metal strip at the top of the fuse. A tripped circuit breaker switches from the on to the off position. If replacing a fuse, be sure to use the same type that blew out. Never use a fuse with a higher number than the circuit is designed to hold, or equipment and appliances may become damaged, or there could be the risk of an electrical fire. Replace the blown fuse with a new one, or reset the circuit breaker to the on position. If the fuse blows or the circuit trips again, find out what is causing the problem. Potential causes are frayed wires, overloaded outlets, or defective appliances. If you can’t find the cause, and the fuse or circuit continues to trip, contact an electrician. If you discover frayed insulation or a damaged wire, replace it immediately, or call an electrician to do it.

Make an appointment today with Asheville home inspector Peter Young.

Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances need breathing room. Don’t enclose them in cabinets without proper ventilation. Washers and dryers need regular inspection. Their movement can cause stress on electrical connections and cords.

If an appliance gives you a shock or tingling sensation, unplug it immediately and call a qualified professional to find the problem.

When using small appliances, such as coffee makers or crockpots, never immerse the base in water. Not only will it ruin the device, but you could be electrocuted. Inspect small appliance cords periodically. Replace them if they are worn or frayed, or replace the appliance. Always err on the side of safety.

Portable Electric Heaters

Use caution when using electric heaters to supplement your home’s main heating system. Keep them clear of combustible materials like paper and clothing, and be sure they are secure and can’t be tipped over. NEVER use portable heaters in bathrooms. Contact with water can cause fatal electrocution. The only electric heaters acceptable for use in bathrooms are built into the wall or part of the overhead exhaust fan.

If you use an electric blanket at night, be sure to keep them in good condition. Inspect them often for cracked or frayed wiring or damage to plugs and connectors. Check both sides of the blanket for signs of charring, an indicator of overheating. To avoid overheating your blanket, do not place additional bedding over them, keep pets from sleeping on top of them, and never put heavy objects on them when not in use. Even folding them can bend the coils and create overheating.

Outdoor Safety Tips

Outdoor lights must be rated for outdoor use. Have them professionally installed, and don’t run them with extension cords, which are not intended for permanent or long-term outdoor use. Use them only as needed, such as power for a drill when doing outdoor repairs, and be sure they are heavy-duty and rated for outdoor use.

As mentioned earlier, all outdoor electrical outlets should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to minimize the risk of electrocution in wet conditions.

If you are using electrical equipment outdoors, unplug it immediately if it begins to rain. It may be inconvenient, but finishing your project is not worth risking death or injury by electrocution.

Finally, don’t climb trees or use ladders close to power lines. Contact with power lines can be fatal.

The Most Critical Do-It-Yourself Electrical Safety Tip

Are you the type who likes to handle household problems yourself? Replacing electrical outlets and wall switches or installing dimmers are tasks well within the skillsets of many homeowners. Follow this one simple rule, and you can’t go wrong: ALWAYS shut down the circuit breaker to the outlets or switches you are repairing. NEVER work with live electricity. The potential for injury is too great.

Yes, electricity is your friend, but it must be given the respect it deserves. If you are unsure, call a professional. Always better to be safe than sorry!

Know Before You Buy!

Buying a home? Asheville home inspector Peter Young can tell you if the home’s electrical system is up to code standards and running safely. Know before you buy! Call Peter Young Home Inspections today.