Electrical safety is a major concern that if ignored, can lead to severe electrical hazards. In fact, a report by the NFPA concluded that electrical faults contribute to an annual average of 45,210 household fires.
Do you know that electrical outlets are the leading cause behind electrical fires?
From choosing the inappropriate installation point to overloading your electrical outlets, there’s a long list of things that can go wrong, leading to electrical incidents.
There’s no harm in going an extra mile to ensure the safety of your loved ones, which is why we’ve compiled a list of mistakes to avoid while installing and using an electrical outlet.
1. Installing Outlets near Showers
Your bathtub area is possibly the worst place to install an electrical outlet. While installing an outlet, always maintain a 3-foot distance between your bathtub and electrical outlet. If you have a previously installed electrical outlet near your showers, having it removed should be the first thing on your to-do list.
2. Overloading your Electrical Outlet
Contrary to popular belief, a multi-plug outlet or power strip can’t necessarily handle heavy loads. While they may allow the connection of multiple plugs, they have a load-bearing capacity. Connecting multiple heavy-voltage devices increases the risk of electrical hazard.
As a preventative measure, always install electrical outlets with circuit breakers to prevent overloading.
3. Leaving Outlets Unprotected
Whatever you do, don’t leave your electrical outlets unprotected if you have children— especially toddlers. Children often fall victim to electric shocks when they poke metal objects or their fingers into unprotected outlets.
The best way to prevent this hazard is by installing child-safety wall plates. However, you can also install plastic covers if you don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing your electrical outlet.
4. Using Loose Outlets
We’re all too familiar with the struggles of a loose outlet. Nothing’s more frustrating than connecting your charger into the plug only for it to fall back out! Apart from being irritating, this is a major fire concern. Electrical blades inside outlets often become loose over time, generating extra heat, which can lead to an electrical fire during prolonged use.
5. Forcing Plugs into Mismatched Outlets
In addition to using loose outlets, forcing a plug into a mismatched electrical outlet is another mistake you should avoid. While you may get your appliance to work by forcing its plug inside, it can cause a permanent damage to your electrical outlet. In more severe cases, they can cause short circuits, triggering fires.
If you’re noticing any of these electrical faults in your home, it’s time to get it fixed! Delaying the issue will only increase the risk of an electrical hazard, risking the safety of your loved ones and damaging your property.
If you’re looking for a licensed electrician in Cypress, TX, RHK Electrical has you covered! We provide an extensive range of electrical services for outlet repair and installation, rewiring, surge protection, and other electrical issues.
Contact us today and we’ll fix your electrical outlets in no time!