Home Electrical Safety Tips
A Comprehensive Resource

Block unused outlets with a solid cover plate or childproof caps. Few electrical safety tips are more important when you have young children in the house.

Encase all outlets properly with solid, secure plates so that all the wiring is enclosed.

Relocate cords instead of overloading outlets. Not only is it a mess, but it could be very dangerous.

Never place anything into the outlet except for the appropriately-sized plug. That includes metal objects and liquids!

Use ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in case of potentially dangerous situations (pools, bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished rooms).

Use bulbs with the correct wattage. Higher wattage bulbs may cause overheating.

Always screw bulbs tightly; beware loose bulbs, which could cause shorts and sparks.

Always unplug or switch off the fixture before replacing a bulb.

Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL); these provide the same level of light at a lower wattage level, which is safer and better for the environment and your pocket.

• If a CFL bulb breaks, open the windows and evacuate the room for 15 minutes.

Maintain a distance from power lines.

• You don’t want your house to be close to them, and keep trees pruned and far away from the power lines as well.
• Never fly kites, balloons, or model airplanes near power lines; also, climb trees somewhere else.
• Never situate or climb on a ladder that could fall on or very close to a power line.
• Be on the lookout for power lines when using a chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.
• Never swim (and try not to use water) during an electrical storm if you spot lightening.
• Always assume that contact with a power line is lethal.
• If a power line is down, do not touch it to see if it’s live. Contact your local authorities immediately.
• Check the weather channel: powerful winds can make power lines sway, storms can bring them down, and even extreme heat can cause them to sag.

Never climb the fence that surrounds an electrical substation.

• If your pet or baseball finds its way inside, call the electric company to retrieve it for you.

Keep electrical appliances and tools dry— out of the rain, off of wet surfaces, and away from pools, ponds, fountains, etc.

Only allow outdoor outlets on a circuit guarded by a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).

Avoid overloading plugs, sockets, and extension cords.

Replace tools that give off any mild electric shocks.

Replace light switches that are flickering.

Replace light switches with hot faceplates. Warm is okay—hot is bad.

Replace all damaged cords.

Never attempt to push a three-prong plug into a two-holed socket.

Never attempt electrical repairs if you don’t have the expertise and certification.

Never fight an electrical fire with water— instead, reach for the fire extinguisher or baking soda. Water conducts electricity, so the fire could actually ignite further.

If you have any doubt about fighting the fire, it’s time to flee. If you decide that you have a reasonable chance, fight the fire but make sure that you’re near the exit and no obstacles can stop you.

• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher effectively: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.

Watch for tripping breakers: it’s a very important warning if you’re circuit breaker is immediately tripping after you’ve reset it. It’s forewarning you that there’s an electrical hazard in the house.

Turn off electrical appliances when they’re not in use; always attend to them when they’re on.

Keep all flammable objects a few feet away from heaters and any appliances that tend to heat up quickly (computers, televisions, etc.).