Few of us spend time thinking about electrical hazards at home, but it’s important for Sarasota residents to take a few minutes to identify and mitigate issues that could pose unnecessary risks. Every year, residential electrical fires cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of devastating injuries to homeowners across America. If the homeowners had conducted routine electrical inspections to catch problems early, any of these incidents could have been avoided.
Since knowledge is power, becoming aware of potential electrical hazards can help you stay safe at home.
What is an Electrical Hazard?
Electrical hazards are conditions associated with electrical appliances, wiring, and systems that can lead to fires and serious injuries like burns, shocks, and electrocution. Fire is the most serious electrical hazard, causing hundreds of deaths and more than a billion dollars in damage to homes every year.
Common Residential Electrical Hazards in Sarasota
When you’re looking to identify electrical hazards in your Sarasota home, these are the most common:
Faulty or Outdated Wiring
To handle the demands of your appliances, the wiring in your house needs to be in good shape to operate safely. Faulty and too-old wiring commonly cause sparks, arc flashes, and fires at home. The National Fire Prevention Association reports that every year, residential electrical fires caused by faulty wiring result in around 390 fatalities and 13% of all home fires. Rodents, physical wear and tear, and old age can all cause wiring to become frayed and damaged.
If you believe you have faulty wiring, stop using the affected outlets and immediately contact a qualified electrician to prevent the risk of fire or electrocution. Discoloration or a burning or fishy smell near your electrical outlets and fixtures are signs that your wiring needs immediate attention. If the lights in your home flicker or go dim, your breakers trip frequently, or your outlets spark or feel warm, call an electrician who can diagnose the problem and recommend solutions that will keep you safe. At the very least, have an electrician inspect your wiring every few years.
Older homes may not be wired to handle modern electrical loads, which puts them at greater risk of experiencing an electrical fire. Outdated wiring materials can break down over time and be more likely to overheat, which also increases fire risk. If the wiring in your house is more than 30 years old, schedule annual electrical inspections and make any necessary upgrades.
Overloaded Circuits
If your house has more TVs, computers, and appliances than outlets, you might be putting yourself in danger. Most residential outlets in Sarasota can handle a 15 or 20 amp load. Exceeding this rating can cause your wiring to overheat, which increases the risk of fire. Flickering lights, buzzing outlets, and tripping circuit breakers are common signs of an overloaded circuit.
Try to evenly distribute your electrical loads across your outlets. As a rule, you should only use one plug per socket in each electrical outlet and unplug anything you don’t use regularly.
If you’re using an adapter or power strip to stack multiple plugs on the same outlet, take care that you don’t overload the circuit with high-voltage devices. It’s also a bad idea to plug two or more power strips together. To minimize the risk of fire, use power strips with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal that include a circuit breaker, and check the power strip regularly for damage.
Keep in mind that extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis. If you need a long-term or permanent solution to your electrical needs, consider installing additional electrical outlets in your home.
Unprotected Outlets
If you have young children at home, it’s important to install outlet covers to keep their tiny fingers or other objects out of harm’s way. Plastic outlet covers will protect young children from burns, shocks, or electrocution. You can also install child-safe wall plates with snap-down covers that automatically close over unused outlets. Tamper-resistant outlets are a third option that can protect children from shock when your electrical cords are plugged in.
High-Wattage Light Bulbs
Bright light can enhance the look of your home and make it easier and safer to navigate, but it’s important to use the right bulbs in your fixtures and lamps. Light bulbs that use more watts than a fixture or lamp can handle can overload its wiring and cause a fire. Whenever you replace a light bulb, make sure the bulb’s wattage does not exceed the maximum wattage marked on the socket. If you’re installing new fixtures at home, make sure that they’re compatible with your wiring.
Wet, Plugged-in Appliances
Most of us know that water and electricity don’t mix. If one of your plugged-in appliances gets wet, leave it alone. Find the main breaker box in your home and turn off the power to the outlet the appliance is plugged into. Once you know the power is off, you can unplug the appliance and take it to a professional for evaluation and repair.
It’s a good idea to unplug appliances when you’re not using them. To reduce the risk of shock and electrocution, think about installing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets near water sources in your kitchen and bathroom. These devices can prevent serious injuries by cutting off power immediately if they detect a shock. You can also add GFCI breaker switches to your home’s main electrical panel.
Faulty Cords
It’s easy for electrical cords to become damaged if you yank them out quickly or leave them in an untidy pile on the floor. If your pets gnaw on cords or you leave them near a heat source like an HVAC vent, TV, or computer, they may fray, loosen, or melt. When you realize your cords are compromised, stop using them right away. Avoid making a quick fix with electrical tape; take your cords to a pro and get them replaced or repaired.
Faulty Appliances
If your blender or hair dryer constantly trips a circuit breaker, it may not be safe to use. Faulty appliances can cause electrical fires, burns, shocks, and other injuries. If an appliance starts to malfunction while you’re using it, find the main electrical panel in your house and cut off the power to the outlet where it’s plugged in. Once the power is off, unplug the device and get it professionally checked out and repaired before you use it again. Keep in mind that recalled appliances are considered unsafe to use. You can search the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s database to make sure that none of your appliances have been recalled. If you do have a recalled appliance, stop using it and ask its manufacturer for a replacement.
Misused Extension Cords
Extension cords are very handy to have around, but they can be dangerous if you misuse them. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) estimates that problematic extension cords cause 3,300 home fires each year. To avoid becoming a statistic, use the right UL-rated extension cord for the task at hand. Different extension cords are designed to handle different electrical loads and environmental conditions, so check to make sure your extension cord is rated for the amount of power your device will use. Don’t overload the cord, and avoid running it under rugs or carpets. If you’re using an extension cord outside, make sure it’s designed for outdoor use. Your cord should be in good condition; faulty and damaged extension cords can be dangerous.
Keep in mind that extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis. If you need a long-term or permanent solution to your electrical needs, consider installing additional electrical outlets in your home.
Call Mister Sparky to Keep Your Sarasota Home Safe
Eliminating electrical hazards at home is the best way to prevent dangerous accidents and fires. The certified electricians at Mister Sparky can thoroughly inspect your Sarasota home, so you can feel confident that your electrical system is in great shape.