When winter arrives, many homeowners rely on electrical devices to keep warm. However, using extra electricity and appliances during the colder season requires vigilance to guarantee safety.
Using electrical devices properly according to instruction manuals and electrical safety standards helps keep your whole household safe and avoids fires and injury. It also pays to check whether all electrical boxes, plugs, and panels are well-covered. This protects your power circuits and prevents you from experiencing high power surges and electrical hazards.
Here are some other essential electrical safety tips for the season from Kish and Sons:
Portable electric heaters have become an essential tool for many households during winter. However, a set of precautions must be followed when using them. The best way to avoid accidents is to keep them at least four feet away from furniture, drapes, and clothing. Also, space heaters must never be left unattended when turned on.
Do not plug your space heaters into an extension cord to avoid electrical damage. Common extension cords cannot handle the high currents that space heaters draw. You should also keep them away from flammable materials and water. Use your portable heater sparingly and turn them off properly after use.
Homeowners must check all electrical outlets to avoid overuse during the winter. There should only be a maximum of one high-wattage appliance in every outlet to prevent overloads. Make sure to charge your devices one at a time and unplug other appliances that are not in use.
Generators produce a deadly gas called carbon monoxide. So, avoid using your generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. You must also always follow your generator’s manufacturer’s instructions properly.
Though electrical heating blankets are nice during the winter, you must never use them while you sleep. You can avoid overheating accidents and burn injuries by using your heating blanket sparingly. Worn and damaged electrical blankets must also be disposed of immediately.
Worn or frayed appliance cords pose several electrical hazards. Damaged power cables can cause fire, shocks, and electrocution. It pays to inspect your cords regularly and have them replaced or repaired as needed.
Having your home wiring system checked by a professional electrician is one of the best things to do to ensure safety during the winter season. Regular maintenance is also necessary to address issues and avoid accidents.
If you plan to keep your holiday lights on display throughout the winter, use a surge protector to avoid voltage spikes. It is also best to limit the number of string lights you put on display to a maximum of three strands to prevent overheating and potential fires. Don’t forget to turn off your holiday lights when you leave your home or go to bed.
Choose Trusted Residential Electrical Services
Don’t fix electrical problems at home on your own. Contact Kish Electric in La Crosse, WI today for residential electric services that adhere to electrical safety standards.
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