Everyone has outlets throughout their home that they use every day. While an electrician will install them in a way that protects your family as much as possible, most safety precautions will be up to you. Safe usage helps prevent electrical fires or accidental electrical shocks. As such, use the tips below to protect yourself. 

A Guide to Electrical Outlet Safety 

1. Don’t Overload Them

Many electrical fires are caused by overloading a circuit. While outlet extenders and extension cords can be useful, you don’t want to rely on them too heavily.

Only use one extender per outlet, and don’t plug in numerous devices that could overload the circuit. Otherwise, the outlet could overheat and lead to an electrical fire. 

2. Keep Them Covered & Intact

Outlet covers are designed to keep all the wiring safely housed away, while still allowing you to plug in the items you need. Always keep the covers on and maintain their condition.

If you see a crack in the cover or a cap between the cover and the wall, have it repaired. If you have young children or pets, place a complete cover over outlets that are not in use.

3. Replace Old Outlets

Old outlets only have two prongs, while new ones have the third prong to ground the appliance. That third prong, which is connected to a grounding wire, is an essential safety precaution. Have any of these outdated outlets replaced, along with their wiring.

You should also have an electrician check that all outlets in an area that may be exposed to water—such as in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages—are GCFI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets. These are designed to detect shorts created by contact with water and cut the flow of electricity.

The team of professionals at McAtlin Electrical Corporation in Grand Junction, CO, will ensure that your house wiring and outlets are up to the latest safety standards. These electricians are licensed, bonded, and insured to provide the best possible service for you. See their full list of services on their website and call (970) 257-7414 to schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician.