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FAQ » How to Take Care With Electrical Currents
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How to Take Care With Electrical Currents
How
to Take Care With Electrical Currents in the Laundry/Utility Room
How to Take Care With Electrical Currents
Electrical systems can cause house fires. Here are the top 10 electrical safety tips questions and
answers
Q. Has your home's electrical panel been inspected in less than 10 years?
Check it out. Check your home's electrical panel for a last-inspected date. If it has been more than 10 years, get a new inspection.
Q. What appliances can be left plugged in at all times? What should be unplugged when not in use?
Get unplugged. Unplug heat-producing appliances when not in use. This includes irons and toasters. The National Fire Protection Assn.'s Julie Reynolds says it's OK to leave a light on for security as long as the lamp is operating properly and the bulb is the correct wattage.
Q. Is it a fire hazard to burn a 100-watt bulb in a lamp designed for 60 watts?
Watch the wattage. Burning a 100-watt bulb in a lamp designed for 60 watts is a fire hazard. Most lamps have wattage instructions written along the socket.
Q. When should an electrician install additional outlets?
Use cords with caution. Extension cords are meant for short-term use and shouldn't be used to plug more items into a single outlet. If you have cords running throughout the house, have an electrician install additional outlets.
Q. Where should surge protectors be used?
Use surge protectors wherever possible.
Q. How often should ground-fault circuit interrupters be tested? How?
Give them a test. Test ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) monthly. Turn on a night light plugged into the outlet. Press the
test button. If the light turns off, the outlet is working properly. If the reset button pops out but the light stays on, the GFCI isn't
working. Press the reset button to return the outlet to normal. In addition,
contact a qualified, licensed electrician to determine whether your GFCI needs replacing.
Q. Can I use a plugged-in appliance in water?
Stay high and dry. Keep appliances away from water.
Never reach into water for a plugged-in appliance. Unplug it first.
Have the item inspected before using it again.
Q. Is there any danger from loose bulbs?
Screw bulbs in securely. Loose bulbs may overheat and burn shades, drapes and furniture.
Q. What can cause an electrical shock? What can cause a fire?
No yanking. Unplug appliances by the finger grips next to the outlet. Yanking or tugging can damage the cord wire and insulation and could cause an electrical shock or fire, according to the National Electrical Safety Foundation.
Q. How can I use pennies to fix electrical problems?
Forget the pennies. Pennies may be a quick fix for blown fuses, but they could cause the electrical panel to overheat and catch fire.
Q. Is lint buildup in a dryer a fire hazard?
Yes. Periodically vacuum your dryer's lint trap and exhaust hose. Lint buildup is a fire hazard.
Q. Is a foot clearance enough around gas appliances?
No. Keep a three-foot area around gas appliances, such as dryers, water heaters and furnaces, clear of any objects and clutter.
Q. Are lights in closets dangerous?
Not necessarily, but you must keep stored items a safe distance from light bulbs. Towels or wrapping paper can catch fire from a bulb that's left on.
Q. What should I do about three-prong plugs? Can I use them?
No. Use an adapter to insert a three-prong plug into a two-hole receptacle. Replace tools without three-prong plugs or whose cords aren't double insulated.
Q. Can I use a tool if the grounding pin has been removed?
No. Never use a power tool if the grounding pin has been removed.
Q. Do outdoor sockets need Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters?
Yes. All outdoor sockets should have GFCIs.
Q. Can I mow after a rain shower?
No. Never use an electric mower on wet grass.
Q. Are there different extension cords and holiday lights for outdoor use?
Yes. Make sure extension cords and holiday lights are intended for outdoor use.
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