Safety Tips
Also see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Spera Electrical recommends these safety tips. You can contact us for assistance, or to go over them in greater detail. We can also baby proof your entire home from electrical hazards.
Panel Labels
All panels should be labeled for easy location of circuits. This practice will help you stay safe if an electrical emergency should ever arise, and save money when troubleshooting during a service call.
Cords
Make sure cords are in good conditions - not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard, or to another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them. Extension Cords should never be used as a permanent wiring method.
Plugs
Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances.
Ground Faults Circuit Interrupters
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly.
Lamps
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat.
Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use touchier lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms.
Appliances
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, it may need a dedicated circuit. If it has given you a shock, unplug it, call for service it will have to be repaired or replaced.
Outlets
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children - Or have replaced with new child resistant outlets.
Space Heaters
Space Heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture, and rugs. Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug when not in use.
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Circuit Breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the same size fuse.
Smoke Detectors
New information from smoke detector companies recommends replacing smoke detectors at least every 10 years. Research shows that 30% of detectors fail after 10 years and 50% fail after 15! And if your smoke detector chirps - it's time to change the battery (which should be done every 6 months regardless).