Before working on any electrical equipment or circuits, always turn off the power at the circuit breaker and lock it out if possible. This is the most important safety rule that can prevent electric shock.

Best practices:

• Identify the correct circuit breaker for the area you’ll be working in
• Turn off the breaker completely and verify it’s off
• Use a lockout/tagout device if available
• Test with a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is off

Water and electricity create a dangerous combination that can result in electric shock or electrocution. Keep all electrical devices away from water sources.

Important precautions:

• Never touch electrical outlets or switches with wet hands
• Keep electrical appliances away from sinks, bathtubs, and other water sources
• Unplug appliances before cleaning them
• Install GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas

Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or using multiple extension cords can overload circuits, causing overheating and potentially starting a fire.

Safe practices:

• Limit outlets to their rated capacity (typically 15-20 amps)
• Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers
• Distribute high-power appliances across different circuits
• Look for signs of overload such as warm outlets or frequent breaker trips

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) detect ground faults and quickly shut off power to prevent electric shock. They are essential in areas where water and electricity may come into contact.

Installation guidelines:

• Install GFCI outlets in all bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas
• Test GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the test button
• Replace outlets that fail to trip when tested
• Consider GFCI circuit breakers for whole-circuit protection

Electrical work can be dangerous and should only be performed by qualified professionals. Attempting complex electrical work yourself can result in serious injury or property damage.

When to call an electrician:

• Installing new circuits or outlets
• Replacing electrical panels or circuit breakers
• Dealing with frequent breaker trips or flickering lights
• Any work involving the main electrical panel

Frayed wires, damaged plugs, or broken cables can cause electric shock or start fires. Regularly inspect electrical cords and replace any that show signs of damage.

What to look for:

• Cuts, fraying, or exposed wires
• Cracked or broken plugs
• Plugs that are hot to the touch
• Cords that feel brittle or sticky

Electrical panels should be easily accessible in case of emergencies. Blocking access to electrical panels can delay response times during electrical emergencies.

Accessibility requirements:

• Keep a 3-foot clearance in front of electrical panels
• Don’t store items in or around electrical panels
• Ensure panels are properly labeled
• Keep panels in dry locations away from water sources

Using bulbs with higher wattage than fixtures are rated for can cause overheating and potentially start fires. Always use bulbs that match or are below the fixture’s maximum wattage rating.

Lighting safety:

• Check fixture labels for maximum wattage ratings
• Use LED bulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent bulbs
• Replace old fixtures that get excessively hot
• Ensure proper ventilation around recessed lighting

Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers of electricity. Take steps to protect them from electrical hazards in your home.

Child safety measures:

• Install safety covers on unused outlets
• Secure electrical cords out of reach
• Use tamper-resistant outlets
• Teach children about electrical safety as they grow

Regular electrical inspections can identify potential hazards before they become serious problems. Older homes especially should have professional electrical inspections.

Inspection considerations:

• Have inspections done every 10 years for older homes
• Check for outdated wiring such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring
• Inspect for proper grounding throughout the home
• Look for signs of electrical problems like flickering lights or warm outlets