May is National Electrical Safety Month, and we believe in spreading awareness at The Happy Outlet! National Electrical Safety Month serves to educate the public with tips to keep them safe while using electricity every day at home.

To kick off the education celebration this month, our team of expert electricians has compiled a list of 20 electrical safety tips for our customers to remember at home. Check them out before you plug it in!

General Electrical Safety Tips

These general electrical safety tips apply to all rooms in your house, and even your backyard. Think carefully before using electrical appliances and be sure to teach your kids these safety rules.

• Check electrical cords for damage frequently. Frayed cords can cause electrocution or electrical fires.
• Never yank electrical cords out of outlets. Gently pull them out by their plastic base.
• Don’t plug too many devices into the same electrical outlet or power strip at once. This can overload your circuits and trip a breaker.
• Only use extension cords as a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. Never cover them with blankets or rugs because the heat this generates is a fire hazard.
• Remember that even if an appliance is turned off, it is still connected to an electrical current as long as it is plugged in.
• Install GFCI outlets that will shut off your power if they detect a problem with the flow of electricity to an appliance. They prevent electrocution, and they are required in every room with a source of water to meet the National Electrical Code.

Kitchen Electrical Safety Tips

These electrical safety tips apply specifically to the kitchen. Since kitchens have a source of water from the sink, it is important to stay extra vigilant about electrical safety.

• Always unplug handheld appliances before cleaning them or removing a piece of stuck food. (This includes toasters, blenders, coffee pots, and more.)
• Plug handheld cooking appliances into GFCI outlets only.
• Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator regularly. If dirt builds up on them, it can create a fire hazard.
• Make sure there is some space left behind your refrigerator for air to circulate.
• If you feel even a tiny shock from a major appliance, turn it off right away. Turn off the power to the appliance from your circuit board, and then call a professional immediately. There could be a serious problem with your wiring.

Bathroom Electrical Safety Tips

Here are a few electrical safety tips for the bathroom. Between the sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub, there are lots of opportunities for water to come into contact with electronics. Stick to these rules to help you prevent a dangerous electrocution.

• Never operate electrical appliances near a bathtub full of water or a running shower.
• Leave unnecessary electronics such as radios or laptops outside of the bathroom. Use hair tools with caution.
• Never use any electrical appliances while your hands are wet.
• Never install regular recessed lighting in your shower area. Use a vapor-tight recessed light instead.
• If you notice any electrical problems like flickering lights or dead outlets, have a professional inspect and troubleshoot them right away.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips

Electrical safety doesn’t stop when you step out the back door. Bring these tips along with you to your next barbecue or pool party and keep your guests safe.

• Stay away from power lines. Don’t fly kites or drones near them. If you see one on the ground after a storm, call to report it to the police.
• Don’t touch transformer boxes, and don’t let kids play near them.
• Keep all electronics at least 10 feet away from swimming pools.
• Use only extension cords designed to withstand outdoor wear and tear.
• Never run extension cords through doors or windows, even temporarily.
• Use GFCI outlets outdoors to protect yourself and your electrical system from moisture caused by precipitation.

Now that you know some basic electrical safety tips, remember one more important lesson: never attempt any DIY electrical repairs or replacements. Always call a licensed and insured professional to handle your electrical panel, circuits, and wiring.

If you need any electrical repairs, replacements, or upgrades in your Carson City home, contact The Happy Outlet! Give us a call at 833-2B-HAPPY to schedule an appointment and get started.