Given that electronics have become a huge part of our lives, electric wires have become unavoidable. You likely find one at every corner of your home. Manufacturers have made them safe to use, but you also have to take some measures on your end, Here are practices you should follow.
Use Cord Organizers
There are many kinds of cord organizers such as zip ties, velcro straps, rubber straps, and more. They are readily available in hardware stores and online shops like Amazon. Using cord organizers will allow you to position your wires safely away from potential damage or out of reach of children.
Don't Overload Your Outlets
Even if you have splitters that allow you to plug more into one outlet, it's not advisable. Overloading your outlet will come with a whole set of problems that cost you more to fix. It won't be able to provide enough power for your appliances or worse, it could start a fire due to overheating of the outlet.
Ground Your Appliances and Outlets
Electrical shocks are not only harmful but can also be fatal, which is why grounding your appliances and outlets is something you can't ignore. Check the plugs of your devices and check whether they have three prongs. If so, then you need to plug them into grounded outlets to avoid incidents.
Install GFCI Outlets in Risky Areas
GCFI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is a device that prevents electrocution by interrupting the power source when it detects a ground fault. These are often placed in locations where water is often used like laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. They act within a millisecond, preventing anyone who may come in contact with the ground fault to be shocked.
Leave It to the Professionals
If you find faulty wiring in your home that causes electronics to not work or lights to flicker, you should avoid fixing the wiring on your own. Other than the possibility of making things worse, one wrong move could lead to you being electrocuted. There's a reason why professionals learn about electrical systems before they take on the job.
Keep Wires Away from Combustible Materials
If you expose a lot of things to fire long enough, they become combustible, but some are quicker to burn than others like curtains, carpets, and other cloth materials, so it's best to keep them away from outlets. Even the smallest spark can start a fire, and the nearest wooden furniture would not be safe from it as well.
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Inspect Your Cords Twice a Year
It's better if you can check on your cords more than twice every year, but two times should be the minimum. Wires can get damaged or worn down over time, and you need to fix or replace them once that happens. This could be due to several factors like animals chewing on the wires or the outer layer being peeled off due to other outside factors.
Teach Kids Electrical Safety
You won't have to lecture them about the complexity of electricity. You just have to tell them the basics about things to avoid when dealing with electronics, like not plugging anything in with wet hands, or slotting items into an outlet. For extra protection, you can always buy covers for your outlet, which you can easily remove when you need to use them.
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