What about outdated or poor wiring?

The National Fire Prevention Association reports that faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires. To minimize these risks, have a certified electrician check your home's wiring every few years so you know if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. If the wiring in your home is 30 years or older, have it inspected annually. Call an electrician immediately if the lights dim or flicker without explanation, breakers repeatedly trip, or outlets feel warm to touch or spark. These are signs you may need to repair the wiring.

What if my appliance is plugged in near a water source?

There are certainly risks with plugged-in appliances getting wet such as electrical shock and even electrocution. If a plugged-in appliance gets wet, don't unplug it. Go to the electrical panel box in your home and turn off the power source to the outlet the appliance is plugged in to. Then you can unplug the appliance and have a qualified repair person evaluate it for safety. First of all, unplug appliances when not in use to help reduce the risks of shock. Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets is an effective way to minimize the risk of electric shock or electrocution. A GFCI will immediately cut off power if it detects someone has received a shock, thus preventing serious injury. If the outlets located near water sources in your home aren't GFCIs, consider hiring an electrician to install them or have GFCI breaker switches added to your home's main breaker panel.

Can I use a high wattage light bulb?

Using a light bulb with a higher wattage than the lamp can safely accommodate may overload the lamp's wiring causing a fire. Take steps to help avoid this hazard by using light bulbs with wattage that's equal to or less than the maximum wattage printed on the lamp's socket. If a brighter light is needed, purchase a lamp that can accommodate a higher watt bulb.

Can my outlets and power strips get overloaded?

Outlets and power strips are designed to handle a certain amount of electricity. Plugging several high-voltage devices into either can cause overload possibly resulting in an electrical fire. Other dangerous practices that can cause overload are plugging adapters into a power strip or plugging two or more power strips together to accommodate more devices. It's best to choose power strip models that include a circuit breaker. If the strip becomes hot or is overloaded, the breaker will trip minimizing the risk of fire. Use only power strips with the UL (Underwriter's Laboratory) seal and check them periodically degradation or damage.

Can electrical outlets cause injury to young children?

Young children tend to be curious about electrical outlets. If they put their finger or an object into the outlet, they can be burned, shocked, or even electrocuted. Protect young children from these risks by using plastic closures to cover any outlets they can reach. For a more permanent solution, install tamper-resistance outlets. They have built-in shutters that move into place when the outlet is not in use.

Which extension cord should I use?

Extension cords can come in handy, but they are often used improperly resulting in hazardous situations. To prevent this, buy UL rated cords and match the cord to its use. For example, if you're using the extension cord outside, buy one designed to withstand the elements. Don't overload the cord by plugging in multiple heavy-duty appliances and avoid running the extension cord under a rug or other surface. Make sure the cord is in good condition before you use it as these cords don't last forever. If you find yourself constantly using an extension cord to provide power to a specific area in your home, install additional electrical outlets instead.

Are my appliances safe?

Whether it's a toaster that smokes or a clothes dryer that's constantly tripping a circuit breaker, malfunctioning appliances are unsafe. To avoid an electrical fire, shock, burn, or other injury, don't use faulty appliances. If an appliance starts to malfunction while in use, go to the main electrical panel in your home and cut off the power to where the appliance is plugged in. Unplug the appliance and either recycle it or get it professionally repaired. Be cautious about buying used appliances, as you can't be sure of their safety and never used an appliance that was recalled. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission maintains a searchable database of all recalled appliances. Use these tips to identify and correct potential electrical hazards in and around your home and then learn more ways to improve your home's safety.

Why do my lights flicker or dim? Is it serious?

In general, flickering lights are caused by a simple drop or fluctuation in household voltage that causes them to dim momentarily. It can be caused by a loose or corroded electrical connection or large current draws. Larger appliances can pull 100 or more amps from the house wiring when they are cycling on. This surge in power can cause your lights to dim or flicker momentarily. For safety and peace of mind, it's always best to contact a licensed professional for any electrical question or issue.

Do breakers go bad?

Yes, although it's unusual. You may think one has gone bad, but circuit breakers trip to protect us from electrical issues such as a short circuit or circuit overload that could cause a fire. Rule out these common problems before jumping to the conclusion that the breaker is faulty. If a breaker is tripping, it's usually because the circuit is overloaded or another possibly serious electrical issue. For safety and peace of mind, it's always best to contact a licensed professional any electrical question or issue.

What is a short circuit?

A short circuit is a problem in an electrical circuit where two or more wires that are not supposed to touch each other come in contact. A short circuit can result in a very high current flowing through the circuit. It also happens when there is a bypass of electrical current. When a short circuit occurs, excessive heat is generated. A practical example of a controlled short circuit is the spark generated by an arc welder. In the same way, a short circuit that occurs in your home will generate heat and sparks if left unchecked. Thankfully, the circuit breakers in your electrical panel should cut power to the circuit in the event that happens. For safety and peace of mind, it's always best to contact a licensed professional for any electrical question or issue.

Why does the breaker trip when I'm using a microwave, curling iron, vacuum or hairdryer?

These items use large amounts of electrical energy and can overloading an individual circuit. Repeated tripping can cause the breaker to deteriorate and not function properly. If it should fail to trip, the wiring may overheat thus placing your home at risk from an electrical fire. Generally appliances that draw lots of current such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, ranges, washers & dryers, and furnaces may need a dedicated circuit to prevent overload. Try not to use high current appliances at the same time or hire an electrician to run a new circuit. For safety and peace of mind, it's always best to contact a licensed professional for any electrical question or issue.

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