Electrical Safety Tips
Are your kids home full-time? If so, you’ll want to check out our 7 tips to keep them safe around electrical outlets, cords, and equipment. Our residential electricians in Lowell, MI can help make your home a safer place. Not only do we install childproof outlets, but we can also provide electrical tips to keep the whole family safe.
1. Install Child Proof Outlets
Toddlers are curious, which is why we recommend installing child-proof outlets. Childproof outlets have spring-loaded shutters that cover the prong holes. These shutters only open when there is equal pressure on all holes. In other words, you’ll be able to plug in your cellphone charger, but your toddler won’t be able to insert a metal fork.
Installing child-proof electrical outlets not only protects your kids but brings your house up-to-code. It’ll also give you peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to make your home a safe environment. Call our electricians today to learn more about replacing your old electrical outlets.
2. Don’t Let Kids Yank or Rip Cords
can be rough on cords and electrical outlets. Yet, it’s possible to teach your children the right way to plug and unplug their favorite devices. Your children should never yank or rip a cord out of an outlet. Doing so can destroy the inner components of electrical outlets.
It may take a bit of time, but teaching your kids proper cord and electrical outlet can help keep them safer in the long run. It’ll also help reduce wear and tear on your house. If you’re worried about the tangle of cords behind your T.V. or computer, consider getting a cover.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Call the Professionals
If you’re ever unsure how to handle a situation, please do not hesitate to call a professional electrician. There’s a lot of situations that either is or can be dangerous, and that danger only increases when you don’t know what to do. It’s better to be than sorry.
4. Don’t Overwhelm Electrical Circuits
We tend to plug in more things during the summer, such as fans. Yet, plugging in too many devices into one wall outlet or power strip can overload the circuit. A lot of older homes aren’t able to keep up with our increased demand for electricity.
If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, call our electricians as soon as possible. We may be able to update your electrical panel so you can consume more energy.
5. Inspect Your Electrical Equipment
When you use electrical equipment, especially power bars (aka surge protectors), extension cords, and generators, make you inspect it for any damage. Ideally, you want to inspect it before and after use because if there are any cracks or exposed wiring that can pose a serious threat to you and your family.
6. Don’t Rely Too Much on Extension Cords
Families often get into trouble when they add extension cords. While extension cords are great for temporary use, you shouldn’t use them all the time. Call our electricians to learn if your home’s electrical system could use an update.
7. Keep Your Distance from Electrical Boxes
Is there an electrical box near your home? If so, let your children know to keep their distance. Electrical boxes have underground wires that make digging dangerous.
Likewise, tell your children not to touch any electrical box that looks damaged. Instead, they should tell you or another trusted adult so the damage gets reported.
Have any Questions?
Our electricians in Lowell, MI work hard to earn your business. While electricity makes our lives easier, it’s important you know how to keep your family safe. To schedule a service visit, call Flat River Electric at (616) 987-0596. Our team is always ready to help.
This blog post has been updated.
