Electrical safety issues are no joke, and serious injuries or death can occur if not handled correctly. You might not be aware of the electrical safety mistakes you’re making everyday that put your family and home at risk.

Here are some of the most common electrical safety issues.

Power Cord Safety

Power cords can be real eyesores and tripping hazards. Like a lot of people, you might place furniture on top of your cords or run your cords under a rug to hide them. This is a fire hazard! The visual appeal is not worth the risk.

Blown Fuses and Tripped Breakers

Whether you have an older home with a fuse box or a newer home with circuit breakers, constant malfunctions can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Fuses and breakers are sized to protect and handle the wiring of your home. Tripped breakers or blown fuses should not be ignored. If you’re having issues, it’s time to call an electrician to assess your situation.

Frayed Wires

electrician safety

Minor fraying or damage to power cords and wiring might seem like no big deal. In reality, frayed wires are a fire hazard and can pose huge safety risks to your family. Children and pets like to explore, and are at risk of shocking themselves if they get a hold of a damaged cord. If you have concerns about any frayed of damaged wiring in your home, don’t wait to call in a professional.

Grounding

Improperly grounded circuits put you and your family at risk of shock. Properly grounded circuits are especially important in damp locations such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and laundry room. If you’re not sure if your circuits are properly grounded, have an electrician inspect them as soon as possible.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are extremely dangerous and can slowly burn for days before you notice. Flickering or dimmed lights, sizzling sounds, or a burning odor you can’t locate can indicate the beginning stages of an electrical fire. If you notice any of these in your home, call an electrician to inspect your wiring immediately.

Tip: Water should never be used to put out an electrical fire. Call the fire department right away!

Extension Cord Safety

Did you know most extension cords aren’t designed for long term use and should be unplugged when not in use? While extension cords are handy, they should never be used for large appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, furnaces, and air conditioners.

Generator Safety

Most of the time, generators need to be installed by an electrician. You should not plug a generator into your electrical system yourself. This can cause damage to your appliances and create a fire hazard. At Tiger, our trusted technicians can help you choose and install the right generator for your home.

Electrical issues are always a concern for homeowners. The best way to prevent these issues is to call an electrician and receive an annual system checkup. For these safety inspections and all your other electrical repair and installation needs, give us a call or schedule service online. Trust Tiger to make sure the job gets done right!

electrical outlet safety

Bonus Tip: Overloading outlets, especially with mobile devices, can be hazardous. Contact our experts at Tiger and ask about our integrated USB outlets!