Electricity has become such a necessary part of our lives that we tend to take it for granted, but using it safely is vitally important. When we renovate our home, we often focus on the aesthetics, such as the right paint colors and furniture.
But taking care of the basics—those things that are important, but cannot be seen—should always come first. These include the electrical system of the house.
1.Keep appliances away from water sources
Avoid placing outlets and switches by the sink, bathtub, shower area, or pool to prevent electric shocks.
2.Cover the unused outlets with electrical tape
This will prevent your kids from placing objects inside or play with the outlets.
3.Replace broken cords immediately
Fix and replace frayed electrical cords as soon as possible as these can cause electric shocks.
4.Purchase high quality appliances
Check the details of appliances before purchasing—take note of the consumption and the brand. Ensuring quality helps you save on electricity while preventing household appliance fires.
5.Consult with an electrician.
If you’ve encountered an electrical problem and you’re unsure as to how you can fix it, it’s always best to ask help from an electrician. Going DIY when you are unsure may cause serious problems in the future.
6.Avoid forcing a plug into an outlet.
Do not attempt to modify the outlet by forcing the plug into it. There are different kinds of plugs in the market today and there are different sockets, too.
7.Don’t overload extension cords!
The purpose of an extension cord is to provide better access to outlets. However, it is not the main source of electricity. Make sure that you plug heavy duty appliances to the main outlet.
8. Unplug appliances properly.
Some of us might have the habit of unplugging appliances by pulling cords. Always hold the plug to avoid frayed cords.