How to Ensure Electrical Safety While Working From Home

Have you adopted the trend of working remotely? Working from home can be a blessing. From saving money on gas and eating out for lunch to being able to get your chores and errands done during the work day, it’s no wonder that this trend has caught on so rapidly.

Most office buildings are designed to be energy efficient and electrically safe. Because of this, you’ll have to make the same considerations when working from home. You’ll need to ensure that your home is also safe, reliable, and efficient.

Electrical safety in the home is essential, not only while you work during the day but also when you’re spending time with your family in the evening. Learn a few tips on how to create a safe space, lower your monthly utility bills, and protect your electrical system.

Safety Rules for Electricity in the House

To remain safe and free of hazards in your home, it’s important to follow an electrical safety checklist. There are many precautions that you can take to keep your home safe from any hazards caused by your electrical systems, including:

Inspecting electrical cords and extension cords regularly for damage
Using extension cords on a temporary basis only
Plugging in smartly to avoid creating tripping hazards
Keeping papers and combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters and heat sources
Using the proper wattage for lamps and lighting
Installing smoke alarms up to code and testing them monthly, changing batteries yearly, and replacing units every 10 years
Protecting your electronics and appliances with whole-house surge protection

These proactive measures can help keep your electrical system efficient and also ensure electrical safety at home. Now, learn what you should avoid to protect your home from fire hazards and other disasters. Avoid these practices:

Overloading outlets
Unplugging appliances when not in use to save energy and reduce the risk of shock or fire
Never plugging a space heater or fan into an extension cord or power strip
Never running cords under rugs, carpets, doors, or windows
Never leaving laptops and phones charging on beds or sofas

With this increased usage, electrical surges can happen and damage or destroy expensive electronics and home appliances. Most newer appliances, cable boxes, and exercise machines are at risk as it does not take much of a surge to destroy these items. Protect your entire home by making the necessary electrical updates you may not know you need.

Signs of Electrical Problems in Home

Along with knowing what you need to do to prevent electric-related accidents, you should also know what signs to look out for. If these issues are left unattended, you may fry your electrical system or cause a fire in your home. Take immediate action if you notice the following signs:

Frequent Circuit Tripping: If your circuit breaker keeps tripping, you could be looking at frequent circuit overloads or short-circuiting. The breaker trips to protect your home from an electrical fire or other potential hazard.
Dimming Lights with Appliances: Lights losing brightness when additional appliances are in use may indicate electrical load issues.
Buzzing Switches or Outlets: Audible buzzing noises may be indicative of faulty wiring or loose connections in switches or outlets.
Discolored Outlets: The presence of unusual colors in outlets suggests potential heat damage or wiring problems.
Under-Powered Appliances: You may have voltage or wiring issues in your electrical system if your appliances are lacking in normal power.

Staying on top of emergencies or other home electrical safety issues gives you peace of mind that you can work in a safe and relaxing environment. If you do notice any signs of electrical problems, reach out to an experienced electrician who can examine your electrical system for any problems.

Benefits of an Electrical Home Safety Inspection

If you are concerned about the state of your home’s electrical system, consider having an electrician conduct a thorough inspection. This process will ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the household by identifying potential hazards and preventing electrical accidents.

During the inspection, a qualified electrician will thoroughly assess the wiring, outlets, switches, and appliances to catch any issues early on. This proactive approach not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but also contributes to the longevity of the electrical system, potentially saving homeowners from costly repairs in the long run.

By addressing any potential problems promptly, you can rest assured that your electrical system is up to code and operating correctly. This will allow you to successfully work from home without stress or safety concerns.

If you are looking for more electrical safety tips at home, speak to our professionals at GAC Services. Our electricians will advise you on the best practices to protect your home and can provide you with electrical repairs if needed.

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