May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative is raising awareness about home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.
Our modern lives depend on electricity, and if you don’t properly maintain your gadgets and devices, they can turn into hazards. The good news is that staying safe doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
Many homes and their electrical systems were built before most modern-day electronics and appliances were even invented. Today’s increased demand for energy can overburden an older home’s electrical system. If you notice flickering or dimming lights, it may indicate your home’s wiring is inadequate for your needs. Have it checked by a licensed electrician.
TVEC offers the following tips to help identify and eliminate electrical hazards to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Make sure TVs, game systems and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for ventilation.
Use extension cords as temporary solutions only, and don’t run extension cords in high-traffic areas or under carpets.
Use a surge protector to help protect your computer, TVs and other electronic equipment from damage caused by voltage changes.
Heavy reliance on power strips is an indication that you have too few outlets for your needs. Have additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician.
Keep liquids away from electrical items such as TVs and computers.
Make sure the light bulb wattage is right for the fixture. Light bulbs with wattages that are too high can overheat and cause a fire. Swap out incandescent bulbs with LEDs to prevent this and save energy.
Create a guide for your breaker box so that you know which breaker to turn off when needed.
Recurring tripped circuit breakers or multiple blown fuses can signify a serious and dangerous electrical problem. Contact a licensed electrician immediately.
