Your new home is equipped with circuit breakers designed to protect your home’s electrical system. These breakers are designed to trip and shut off when a circuit gets overloaded, preventing potential hazards.
- Identification: Ensure that each circuit breaker is clearly labeled to indicate which part of the house or which room it corresponds to.
- Regular Inspection: Have a certified electrician perform periodic inspections of your electrical system to identify and rectify any potential issues early.
- Outlet Care: Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Using multi-outlet converters can overload a circuit. If you frequently need more outlets in an area, consider having a certified electrician install additional ones.
- GFCI Outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are crucial for areas where electricity and water are in close proximity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations. Test these outlets monthly by pressing the “test” button. If they are not functioning correctly, call a licensed electrician.
- Safety with Cords: Avoid running electrical cords under carpets or rugs, as this can lead to a wear, and potentially cause a fire hazard. Also, keep cords away from water to prevent electric shock.
- Child Safety: If you have young children, consider using safety plugs in unused outlets and keep cords out of their reach.
- Appliance Safety: Unplug small appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when not in use. This conserves energy and reduces potential hazards.
- Light Bulbs: Ensure you’re using the correct wattage for your fixtures. Using a higher wattage bulb than recommended can be a fire hazard.
- Power Surges: Consider using surge protectors for valuable electronics. This will protect them from potential damage due to sudden power surges.
- Professional Help: In case of any electrical concerns, always consult and engage a licensed electrician. Do not attempt to fix electrical issues yourself unless you’re trained to do so.
