Your home is a place of comfort and safety, but safety can be enhanced by avoiding basic yet common electrical mistakes.

Easy on the extension cords

To compensate for fewer than needed power outlets, many home owners use extension cords. Here’s a better solution:  use more UL listed plug strips to achieve the same result. Better yet, consider adding more outlets.

Use the light bulbs that match your lamps

Most ceiling mounted light fixtures are rated for 60-watt bulbs or less because of how much heat they produce.  If you’re using bulbs with higher-than-recommended wattage, your light fixture cannot adequately dissipate the extra heat.  In turn, that can cause the ceiling sheetrock to bake along with house wires in the electrical box.  Just to be on the safe side, write down the proper bulb size for each light fixture or lamp and keep that list in a safe place.  Then, when it’s time to replace a bulb, you won’t have to guess or worry.

GFCI protected receptacles

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) are outlets specially designed for use anywhere electricity can come in contact with water, indoors or out.  GFCI outlets measure the amount of incoming and outgoing current and trip if the two are not equal.

Properly sized fuses or circuit breakers

Many older homes still have fuses instead of circuit breakers. Fuses can be easily replaced but should be replaced with those of the same size.  Larger fuses (such as 20 vs. 15 amps) draw more power and, if used where they shouldn’t be, can place added strain on your wires…a clear fire hazard.

Check your drop cords

Are your workshop or garage drop cords safe for use? They’re not if the ground prong an extension cord has broken off. The round third prong on each cord is even more important when it comes to personal safety. Unless it remains intact, the metal casing on a faulty power tool can become energized with 120 volts, thus setting the stage for a possible electric shock.

At Excel Electric, we’re dedicated to your family’s safety and greater convenience. Contact us today or anytime we can assist you with your home electrical needs.