Common Electrical Safety Hazards in Florida Homes
Although residential electricity is no longer dangerous to use, it can still destroy your property and endanger anyone in the vicinity if an accident occurs. Fortunately, most electrical accidents are now easy to prevent.
As long as safety precautions are followed, electricity will be your friend and not your foe. On the other hand, disregarding even one safety practice can cause fires, shocks and even electrocution. If an electrical problem develops, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a professional electrician immediately for an electrical safety inspection.
That being said, here’s what you can do right now to keep your Florida home’s electrical system happy and healthy:
Florida House Fire
The most dangerous electrical accident is not electrocution. Ir’s fire. Electrical fires typically start in the kitchen where moisture and electricity are most likely to meet. Fortunately, electrical fires are rare, and most people know not to douse an electrical fire with water.
Nevertheless, homeowners can easily mistake an electrical fire for a stove top fire and use water to stifle the flames. If you have any kind of kitchen fire, turn off the power source and smother the fire with baking soda, a class C fire extinguisher or a heavy fire blanket.
Electrical shock or electrocution
Modern safety practices, if followed, can prevent shocks in most cases. Nevertheless, DIY electrical repairs should be avoided by homeowners as they increase the odds of electrocution significantly.
Old, worn-out wiring
Faulty wiring is a common cause of residential electrical fires. Older homes are especially at risk for bad wiring, but unless you schedule regular inspections, you won’t know what you’ve got. In serious cases, visible signs of bad wiring can appear on the surface. These symptoms include lighting that flickers or dims and circuit breakers that trip for no reason.
Rodents enjoy gnawing on wire, and they can seriously damage your home’s electrical system. These pests can leave your home with frayed wiring and wet, exposed, sparking and crackling wires. Additional symptoms of distressed wires can include discolored outlets or light fixtures that have a fishy, burning odor.
Damaged wiring is dangerous. If you suspect that your wires are bad, turn off the power right away and call for help immediately.
Overloaded outlets and too many extension cords
Spread your electricity usage throughout the house over numerous outlets and locations. Don’t use the lion’s share in just one or two outlets. Distributing your usage in this way will create a more balanced state indoors.
It can prevent overloaded outlets, protect against shorts, reduce hot outlet covers and lessen the risk of fire. Maximize safety using this formula: One plug per socket in each outlet. To seal the deal, unplug anything that you’re not currently using.
All extension cords are not created equal. They’re designed for different power loads, so they must be matched with the correct appliance. Faulty wiring is the leading cause of Florida residential fires. Many of those fires result from too many extension cords.
Overloaded outlets can bring light to dark rooms, but it comes with a price. Unfortunately, overloaded outlets and too many extension cords can cause the outlet to get hot. Meanwhile, the cords can overheat and start a fire.
This is especially likely if the extension cords are being used near water or together with older appliances. Extension cords and overloaded outlets should be removed and replaced with new outlets that are equipped to safely deliver the desired electrical load.
Where do Florida electrical fires usually start?
Most Florida house fires occur in the kitchen and are caused by inattentiveness while preparing food. The combination of water, old appliances and extension cords greatly increases the odds of something sparking a fire. Whether you’re using old or defective appliances, too many extension cords or water, this mix is not safe.
Small appliance safety
Small kitchen appliances that remain plugged in and are located near a water source can become shock hazards and start fires if they get wet.
Small appliances like hand mixers, toasters, irons and toaster ovens can gobble a lot of electricity when they’re running and cause safety issues when they’re not.
Outlets near water in the bathroom should always be fitted with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to cut off power in case of a short circuit. Crowded and cluttered countertops increase the odds that a hair dryer or a curling iron will get wet, fall into a sink full of water and create a shock hazard.
Bathroom electrical systems are more likely to electrocute you than to start a fire. All switches should be fitted with GFCIs to protect against shock. Bathroom outlets without GFCIs should be covered and not used. Moisture buildup should be prevented by running the exhaust fan during long, hot showers.
If young children are in the house, protect them with Tamper Resistant Receptacles. These plastic outlet covers can prevent electrical shocks in curious children.
Avoid higher-wattage light bulbs
Electricity is a Godsend, but too much electricity is a killer. Resist the temptation to get more light from your lamps with bulbs that exceed the maximum wattage of a light fixture. Instead, buy a new lamp that can safely handle higher-wattage bulbs.
Basic Electrical Safety Tips
- Floors should be clear of cords, clutter and other items that increase the risk of slips, trips and falls.
- Never handle appliances, outlets, cords, sockets or switches with wet hands.
- Never pour water on an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher to smother it instead.
- Label all fuses and breakers so it’s easy to identify which ones to turn off.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
Schedule a Florida Residential Electrical Safety Inspection Today
An electrical system inspection can reveal the condition of your wiring and correct any issues. Bad wires are responsible for most Florida electrical fires, so you’ll want to keep a watchful eye on yours.