Preventing electrical accidents

DIY Extension Cord Makeover

Safety should always be the priority when it comes to electrical use. (Photo Credits)

Home electrical problems may vary from minor to major ones, depending on the severity of the incident. But according to expert electricians, majority of these residential electrical issues can be avoided.

One of the most common advice is to avoid constant use of electrical extension cords, and do not overload these. According to electrical experts, such practice is not only a physical hazard for slides and trips, it can also be a cause of electrical accidents. Besides, it also is very unsightly and dangerous for children, especially toddlers.

The City of Vancouver’s official website has published a safety guide to prevent electrical troubles and one of items discussed is the safe use of electrical cords. Build Safe 

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“Inspecting electrical cords and electrical plugs regularly helps reduce the risk of electrical fires. (1) Discard all cords and plugs that are worn or frayed. (2) Never break off the third prong on a plug to plug it into a two-pronged outlet. (3) Replace two-pronged outlets with three-pronged outlets.”

Read the whole safety guidelines here.

Circuit breakers

Another way to avoid home electrical problems is to not ignore constantly tripping breakers and blowing fuses. Safebee.com explained why in one of the articles they published. Electrician

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“Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to fail as a way to prevent overloading. If a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer routinely trips a breaker regardless of where you plug it in, the appliance is the likely culprit. But if using a single outlet causes you to blow the same fuse repeatedly, the circuit is probably overloaded. Call in a pro to discuss upgrading the circuit or adding a new line.”

Take a look at their whole article here.

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Safety website Fire Rescue 1 also came up with safety advice for homeowners. According to their web article, one of the ways is to ensure the safe use of light fixtures.

“Light fixtures, lamps and light bulbs are another common reason for electrical fires. Installing a bulb with a wattage that is too high for the lamps and light fixtures is a leading cause of electrical fires. Always check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on any lighting fixture or lamp and never go over the recommended amount. Another cause of fire is placing materials like cloth or paper over a lampshade. The material heats up and ignites, causing a fire. Faulty lamps and light fixtures also frequently result in fires.”

Read the rest of the advice here.

Electrical fires are indeed avoidable. Yearly maintenance repair will also help in avoiding electrical issues that may lead to accidents.

Gforce Green Electric Solutions

2920 McGraw St San Diego, CA 92117

(858) 480-6559

Gforce Electric Repair San Diego

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