Electricity is nothing to play with, and home hazards can have serious consequences. There are several everyday issues homeowners should be able to identify to determine if they’re at risk. Changing habits and making a few adjustments can drastically lower the chances of an incident as well as utility bills, and knowing when to hire electrical services will ensure your family and system are safe.

Home Electrical Hazards & What to Do

1. Overloaded Outlets

You’ll find a spider-like tangle of cables and extension cords overloading a power strip in many homes. It’s a common solution to not having enough outlets, and unfortunately, it opens the door for problems. Aside from a trip and fall risk, these outlets and cables can become overloaded and create shocks or fires, damage appliances, and cause utility bills to climb. Extension cords should only be used when you need to momentarily provide power to an appliance, such as an electric leaf blower. If you need more outlets, an electrical services professional can add them to your home.

2. Forgetting Underground Wiring

Whether you’re adding a home addition, pool, or just doing some landscaping, know where your underground wiring is. It’s often marked by small orange flags, though these may have been removed by someone else. Hitting underground cables can interrupt your home system and lead to shocks. If you don’t know where yours are, hire an electrician to mark the path.

3. Outlets Near Water

Outdoor outlets are great if you have a pool or need to do yard work, but if they’re near water, they can create dangers. Outlets need to be a certain distance from pools, so adhere to codes when installing yours. You may want to have an electrical services professional add GFCI outlets elsewhere outside. These are shock-resistant and will keep you safe should water come into contact with the outlet.

To fulfill your electrical services needs, turn to an electrician at Etheridge Electric Company Inc. They’ve served Hahira, GA, for over 45 years, handling everything from home inspections and electrical remodeling to repair services and new system installation. Learn more about the company online and call (229) 794-2148 to schedule a professional consultation.