Safety tips

Electrical Safety Tips

Your safety is our top priority. These safety tips are to help and inform our customers. You can help us protect you from electrical accidents by taking a few minutes to explore this section and by checking for unsafe conditions around your home, business or place of work.

Appliances

• Unplug appliances after using them and stow cords safely out of reach of pets, young children or hazardous situations.
• Keep all electrical appliances away from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip.
• Keep clothes, curtains, toys and other potentially combustible materials at least three feet away from radiators, space heaters, heating vents and other heat sources.

Electrical Outlets

• Block unused outlets by changing to a solid cover plate or using childproof caps.
• Do not overload outlets with multiple adaptors or power strips. Relocate cords instead.
• Keep all outlets properly covered with secure plates that cover all wiring.
• The electrical outlet in the bathroom is required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) to be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, GFCI outlet and must be located within 3' of your sink basin. It protects you from electrical shock when water and electricity come together.

Light Bulbs

• Use extreme caution while halogen lamps are on. Place them away from curtains or other flammable materials as they can become extremely hot.
• Avoid the risk of fire by using the manufacturer’s suggested wattage for light bulbs in lamps, lighting fixtures and all other appliances.
• When replacing bulbs look inside the light fixture for a label that indicates the recommended wattage and bulb type. Using higher wattage bulbs can overheat the socket and cause damage to the wiring. Consider switching to more efficient compact fluorescent bulbs that provide the same level of light at a lower wattage level.

Electrical Fire Safety

• If you continually replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, hear unusual buzzing sounds, see sparks or flickering lights, you may have a problem with theelectrical wiring in your home. Contact All-Tech Electric to perform an inspection to make any necessary repairs.
• Never attempt electrical repairs or rewiring without proper certification and experience.
• Never touch anyone who is being shocked; the shock can spread through body contact.
• Know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers are located as well as how to properly operate them.
• Do not put water on an electrical fire, use a dry fire extinguisher or baking soda instead.
• Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor outside sleeping areas and in every bedroom, and are in good working order. Change batteries yearly.
• Don’t use a hair dryer when your hands are wet or when you are standing on a damp floor or in a wet tub or shower.

Extension Cords

• Limit the use of extension cords, particularly cords used to power room air conditioners. Don't use extension cords to compensate for inadequate home wiring. You may need to have additional outlets installed.
• Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. Replace cracked or worn cords. If a cord feels hot to the touch, stop using it and throw it away.
• Never cover any part of an extension cord with rugs or other objects while it is in use. If the cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which can potentially result in fire.
• Use electrical cords, power strips and surge protectors that have polarized plugs with one blade slightly wider the other, or grounded three-pronged plugs. These features reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Use the proper weight and length of extension cord for the appropriate task, and be sure the cord is rated for indoor or outdoor use, whichever is required.