While people have become accustomed to being surrounded by electrical wiring and technology in the office every day, the equipment still requires safety measures. To keep you and your employees safe from electrical hazards, follow these do’s & don’ts.

Do: 

Inspect equipment.

At least once a month, inspect every electronic in the office for damage. Look for cracked or fraying cords, exposed electrical wiring, or singe marks. If you smell something burning or see smoke or sparks issuing from an outlet or appliance, seek immediate electrical repair to preempt the risk of a fire or electrocution.

Unplug appliances.

If you’re not using kitchen appliances like the coffee maker or tea kettle, unplug them. Do the same for computer monitors or printers sitting untouched. You’ll not only reduce the risk of these devices overheating, but also save energy since they won’t draw electricity while not in use.

Don’t: 

Run electrical wiring through high-traffic areas.

In general, keep walking aisles clear to prevent tripping hazards. Avoid extending electrical cords, in particular, across floors since they could also break or damage the device or outlet to which they’re connected if pulled. Many people opt to cover cords with carpets or tape to lessen the likelihood of someone’s foot getting caught, but these present more problems. The covering will retain the cord’s heat, which could lead to a fire.

Use power strips.

Most outlets only come with two openings, though many people get around this limit with power strips. However, being able to plug in more devices doesn’t change the outlet’s capacity, and in many cases, it can’t put out enough energy for everything. The plugged-in devices don’t work fully, and the outlet is overburdened, raising the risk of overheating. Instead of using power strips, bring in an electrician to install more outlets.

 

Work with Always On Electric to make your office electrical wiring and equipment safe. The licensed and insured electricians provide inspections, repairs, and 24-hour emergency services to Big Island businesses and residents. Their comprehensive offerings have earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Find out more about how they can help you on their website. Call their office at (808) 965-1596 or the mobile number (808) 640-3391 to make an appointment.