All wet areas in your home, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, should be protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). You’ve seen them. They’re the big square looking plugs with the light and two buttons in the middle. Anyone that has ever overloaded a bathroom circuit by using a hair dryer too long has probably tripped a few of these before. The reset button to restore power is usually very handy.

If you’re using GFCIs, you should push the test button at least once a month to check if it’s operating properly.

Use the safe light bulb wattage for each light fixture. This is one that many people tend to ignore. With every light fixture there is usually a sticker somewhere near bulb area that tells you what the highest voltage that fixture can safely handle. Follow it, especially if you’re using regular bulbs. If you need something brighter in there, get a mini-spiral bulb that are low wattage to begin with but has a high wattage output.

Keep cords in good condition and not knotted or coiled or pinched under furniture or rugs. More common sense. Cords with these types of problems can be a serious fire hazard.

Keep electrical cords out of traffic areas. Don’t trip over something and cause a problem.

Never yank a cord to remove a plug from a socket. Always remove it by grabbing hold firmly at the plug.

Always use face plates for outlets and switches.

Keep all electrically-powered appliances and equipment dry and away from places where water is used. Reduce your risk of a shock. Also, keep all counter top electrical appliances away from the sink, and their cords away from hot surfaces.

It’s also a good idea to unplug all counter top appliances when not in use.

Make sure the range top and the areas above it free from things that can burn, such as paper towels, potholders, and plastic
utensils.

Keep portable space heaters away from combustibles such as curtains or stacks of newspapers.

Small electrical appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and razors should be kept away from water, unplugged and stored when not in use.

Do you use electric blankets? Check the cords regularly and unplug them when they’re not being used.

Outdoor outlets should have weatherproof covers that close automatically.

Extension cords used outside should be specifically marked for such outdoor use.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 7th, 2007 at 1:23 am and is filed under Information, Interior, Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.