18 Electrical Safety Tips for the Home and Workplace
We are using more electrical devices than ever before, and all that extra technology presents an increased safety risk. Older homes and buildings that weren’t designed to handle so much electricity are especially liable to fire and electrical shocks. To avoid accidents, injuries, and deaths, follow these electrical safety tips in the home and workplace.
Electrical Safety Tips in the Home
- Use cords carefully. Never run them under rugs or furniture, out of windows, or across walking paths. Make sure they are not being pinched, as this can expose the wire and start a fire.
- Don’t overload your outlets. If you find yourself using extension cords and adapters to provide more plug-ins for all your devices, consider hiring a professional electrician to add outlets to your home instead.
- Regularly check cords and electrical devices for damage. Never use a cracked or frayed cord. If you see one, unplug it immediately, being careful not to touch any exposed wiring.
- Use power strips and surge protectors wisely. These devices have a maximum load rating, typically 1800 to 2400 watts, that should not be exceeded. Check your power strip’s label for its rating and consider using power strips with overload protection features.
- Address tripped breakers and blown fuses carefully. Unplug all devices in the affected space before attempting a fix. If the breaker moved to the “off” position, move it back to the “on” position. If the fuse blew, remove and discard it. Always replace a blown fuse with a fuse matching the amperage and rating of the circuit. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause overheating and fires.
- Use lithium-ion batteries responsibly. Common in e-bikes and scooters, these batteries can cause fires if they are damaged, overheated, or overcharged. Always purchase vehicles and batteries from reputable sellers, read the owner’s manual, and use only manufacturer-approved chargers. When charging, choose a flat, dry, shaded area away from doorways. Plug your charging cord directly into an outlet instead of using an adapter. Never leave a charging battery unattended, especially overnight. Recycle your batteries at an approved drop-off site.
- Use candles safely. Keep them away from flammable objects and pets and blow them out before going to sleep or leaving the room.
- Unplug appliances during power outages. This will prevent fires and damage to the appliances when the power returns. Contact DMU to report a power outage in your home.
- Be aware of space heaters. Don’t set them near blankets, curtains, or other flammable objects. Turn them off before leaving the room; they can easily start a fire if they tip over.
- Cook carefully. Keep flammable objects away from the stove, never leave the kitchen while cooking, make sure to turn everything off when you’re done, and never use a burner to heat your home.
- Leave your phone on your nightstand. Phones and tablets that are left under blankets or pillows can overheat and start fires.
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and utility poles. That’s about 3 car lengths. Contact DMU to report a downed line.
- Watch for these warning signs of electrical problems: Warm outlets or light switches, flickering lights, frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, buzzing sounds near a circuit box, or sparks coming from electrical equipment. If you notice any of these signs in your home, stop using the affected equipment and contact a professional electrician.
Electrical Safety Tips in the Workplace
- Avoid contact with energized equipment. Before doing any work, you should test for voltage, test the area around the equipment you’re working on, and perform a site and risk assessment. Turn off the power when it’s not needed.
- Only do work you’re trained for. Working with electrical equipment is dangerous and requires proper education and training. Never attempt a task you aren’t trained for.
- Watch out for power surges. Power surges can cause expensive equipment damage and delays. Signs include circuit board failures, lighting failures, drive or motor tripping, and phantom equipment restart. Use surge protective devices in all required areas.
- Avoid contact with power lines. Contact with power lines can be deadly. Look up and be aware of any overhead lines before working in an area. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines, and carry equipment like ladders horizontally. Never touch a power line or anything in contact with it; assume all lines are live.
- Follow the hierarchy of controls. This framework, as well as relevant regulations and best practices, are designed to keep you safe.
Stay Safe with Delano Municipal Utilities
Electricity can be dangerous, but by following these tips and informing DMU of any issues in your home or workplace, you can stay safe. Contact us to report an outage or downed power line and let us know of any questions regarding your electric service. We are happy to help.