Electrical appliances make life much easier and more convenient for so many of us, but it’s important we know how to use them properly in order to keep our homes and families as safe as possible.
Our team at O'Brien Electrical Castle Hill is passionate about ensuring your electrical safety while at home through our wide range of services and our professional expertise.
Here are five things we suggest that you do to help maintain the electrical safety of your home in Castle Hill over time.
1. Follow all Instruction Manuals
Do you find your appliances come with lengthy instruction manuals you just don’t have time to read?
Instruction manuals, tags or leaflets contain crucial pieces of information that can help you to use appliances correctly and safely while also preserving quality and condition.
If you notice any signs of damage or fault in any of your appliances, or if you feel even a mild electric shock while using them, do not continue use. Either correctly dispose of the appliance or contact the manufacturer to find out if repairs can be made.
2. Don’t overload your outlets
While power boards or outlets with many sockets help us manage all our cables, they can easily get overloaded and lead to electrical problems. There are simple things you can do to ensure your outlets remain safe to use.
For example, make sure you only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at any given time. Try to avoid using extension cords for your appliances and be mindful that power boards simply add more outlets rather than distribute power.
If you notice an outlet is hot to the touch, showing signs of fault or damage, or giving you any cause for concern, avoid using it until it has been inspected by an expert electrician.
3. Keep your cords in good condition
Do you have numerous cords or cables lying around “just in case”? Extension cords can come in handy around the home, especially in those hard-to-reach areas or if you have a lot of appliances, and it’s important that they’re maintained to prevent electrocution or electrical fires.
Regularly examine your power or extension cords for damage, cracking or fraying, and stop using them if you see any signs of wear.
Ensure any cords in use are not situated in places where they can be a trip hazard or easily overheat, such as under a carpet or beneath items of furniture.
If you find you’re regularly using extension cords throughout your home, you may not have sufficient outlets to meet your household needs.
A professional electrician can assess your home and specific situation and install additional outlets where you need them most inside the property.
4. Keep appliances away from water
Water and electricity really don’t mix, and it’s important you stay mindful of your electrical cords and appliances to avoid them coming into contact with water and potentially causing damage or injury.
Always ensure you operate electrical appliances or handle power cords with dry hands. Avoid using electronics in wet areas like bathrooms as well as near the sink in your kitchen to minimise the risk of personal injury.
5. Teach your kids about Electrical Safety
Children are naturally curious about their surroundings. Teaching your kids to be mindful and safe around electrical appliances and cables is essential.
Using safety caps and covers on outlets throughout your home can prevent your children from receiving a shock if they try and insert an object into the outlet while playing.
Encouraging your children not to play with electric cables and teaching them to handle power cords gently and carefully will also help prevent damage to your cords.
Make sure any dangerous appliances, like toasters or kettles, are also kept out of reach of smaller children until they’re old enough to be able to operate them confidently and safely.
Trust O'Brien Electrical Castle Hill for all your Electrical Solutions
Our team is made up of qualified, professional and accredited electricians who are all passionate about delivering quality services, advice, and workmanship that exceeds their customer’s expectations.
We’re able to provide the highest quality of service on any electrical job across the Hills District.
Our technicians are also on hand to respond to every electrical need, with a 24-hour callout service if any electrical emergencies arise.
Don’t risk it and wait to get your electrical issues resolved – contact the team at O'Brien Electrical Castle Hill today.
