If you’re a DIYer, chances are that you’ve run into some pretty frustrating problems. Maybe it’s been something small—like the fact that there’s no easy way to tell which wires in your house are hot and which ones are neutral. Maybe it’s been something bigger—like you don’t know what kind of voltage is running through the wires in your basement.

Whatever the issue, we’re here to help! In this article, Magothy Electric Co. Inc. will talk about some of the best electrical tips for DIYers.

What is Electricity Safety?

Electricity Safety is a basic skill that everyone should know. Electricity can be dangerous, but it’s not necessarily something to be afraid of. It’s just another way for you to power your life. Electricity safety is learning how to use electricity safely. It is all about avoiding electric shock, which can happen when you touch something that has electricity running through it—like a metal doorknob or a lamp—and gets electrocuted by that electricity. This can happen when you’re touching something connected to an electric outlet or even something like a refrigerator door (if someone accidentally left their fingers on there).

Since electricity is so easy to come into contact with, it’s important for everyone to learn how to stay safe around it and know top electrical safety tips.

Tips for Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is a serious matter.

Fortunately, you can help prevent electrical problems and fires by following these electrical safety tips at home and save on electric bill tips:

Tip #1: Prevent electrical equipment from contacting wet areas.

This means no swimming pool in your basement, no hot tub in the living room, and definitely no rainstorms inside your house. If it gets wet, unplug it!

Tip #2: Inspect cords and plugs.

Check all the wires plugged into an outlet for fraying or discoloration—if they look like they’re starting to fray or discolor, it might be time for an upgrade, and call Anne Arundel, Howard, and Baltimore electrician!

Tip #3: Use grounded outlets

Grounded outlets are the best kind of outlet for you and your family because they help prevent electric shocks. Even if you’re not planning on giving yourself a shock, it’s still good to use grounded outlets because they can help protect against surges and spikes in electricity.

Tip #4:Avoid overloading outlets

Never overload an outlet by plugging too many things into it at once—this can cause fires or even electrocution! If you have an overloaded outlet, unplug one of the appliances or devices so there’s room for everything else.

Tip #5: Avoid extension cords. 

If you need to run an extension cord across the floor or up your wall, ensure its rated for the voltage coming out of whatever device you’re using (e.g., 120V). Also, make sure that all of the plugs on the ends are intact and not frayed or cracked in any way—if they are, get rid of them immediately!

Tip #6: Keep flammable materials away.

Be aware of what kinds of chemicals are stored in your home and which ones are used often. If you have any chemicals that could cause a fire, make sure that they’re kept out of reach or in an area where they can’t easily start a fire.

Tip #7: Unplug when not in use.

It’s easy to forget about a few things plugged into the wall, but it’s important to unplug them every so often. If something is not used for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to unplug it. The less electricity running through your home, the better!

Tip #8: Childproof outlets

These electrical safety tips may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning! If a child is in the house and has access to outlets, be sure they can’t reach them by turning off the power at the outlet itself (or placing a plug over each outlet).

Tip #9: Use appropriate light bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs give off more heat than other types of bulbs, so if you plan on using them out in the open or near children’s toys or play areas, go with LED bulbs instead. They’ll give off less heat, which means fewer fire hazards!

Tip #10: Use surge protectors.

Surge protectors are a must for all of your electronics, and it’s important to remember that they don’t just have to be plugged in behind your TV or computer. Anything with a cord can be damaged by a power surge, so make sure that everything you can think of is protected by a surge protector—even small appliances like your blender or deep fryer!

Tip #11: Hire a professional for electrical work.

If you’re trying to cut costs by doing some electrical work yourself and end up getting shocked or hurt in the process, it will cost you time and money to see the doctor and could also lead to some severe legal trouble down the road if someone gets hurt just because of something you did wrong. We recommend hiring an electrician for Full Electrical Needs beyond basic household maintenance like changing light bulbs and replacing outlets; don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations!

Tip #12: Educate family members

One of the best ways to keep your family safe from electrical dangers is to make sure they’re informed about what they need to do when it comes to electrical safety. Whether installing smoke detectors or making sure someone knows how to shut off the power in an emergency, educating your family members about these things will help them avoid accidents in their homes.

Tip #13: Install smoke detectors

Smoke detectors save lives—and that’s why it’s important for every homeowner to have them in their house! Smoke detectors are an easy way for homeowners to keep their homes safe from fire hazards like electrical fires and other types of fires. They’re also easy enough for anyone in the house (even small children) who might be sleeping while they go off without waking anyone else up! If you don’t have any smoke detectors installed yet, now’s the time!

FAQs

What does it mean to be “electrically safe?”

Electrical safety means that you are not at risk for an electrical shock or fire, which can happen if you use power tools or appliances with exposed wires or plugs that are damaged. It also means your house is protected from electrical hazards like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, which could cause a fire.

Is it safe to use an extension cord?

Yes, but only if you use a heavy-duty extension cord. Also, make sure that you don’t overload the outlet with too many appliances. It’s best to plug in one appliance at a time in case something goes wrong while you’re working.

How do I know if my house has an electrical problem?

There are a few ways to tell if your house has an electrical problem. If it smells like burning rubber or plastic, or if you see sparks or flames coming from outlets or light fixtures, then it’s likely time for an inspection by a licensed electrician. You should also have your lights checked regularly by an electrician and any outlets that seem loose or flickering. This could indicate that there is something wrong with your wiring.

What is the difference between AC and DC?

AC stands for “alternating current,” which happens when electrons move back and forth through a circuit. DC stands for “direct current,” which is just a steady flow of electrons.

How do I know if my outlet is grounded?

You’re good if there’s a third hole in the outlet. If there are two holes, you’ll need to get an adapter with a third hole in it so you can plug in your ground-based devices. And if there are only two holes, you’ll need to buy a new outlet with three holes in it so you can plug in your ground-based devices.

What should I do if I see an exposed wire or damaged electrical wiring?

You should immediately get on top of the situation by calling an electrician and asking them to come out immediately (even though you don’t know what that means). You can also pick up some rubber gloves from the local hardware store and start touching things with them, which will help protect you from any possible exposure to electricity or other dangers lurking around electrical wires.

What should I do if an electrical fire has damaged my home?

If your home has been damaged by an electrical fire or other related incident, you should contact your insurance company immediately. They will be able to help you assess the damage, remove any hazardous materials from your home and repair any damages caused by the fire or incident.

Should I unplug my appliances when they aren’t in use?

Yes! Unplugging appliances prevent them from accidentally coming on while you’re away from home, which could lead to fires. Appliances like TVs and microwaves shouldn’t be left plugged in at all times—they should be turned off when you are not using them.

Call the Electricians in Glen Burnie!

If your lights are flickering and you’re worried about a fire hazard, contact Magothy Electric Co. Inc. today.

We have been providing quality electrical services to our clients in Pasadena, MD, for over 30 years and are passionate about customer satisfaction. Our team members are fully licensed, certified, and trained in the latest technology and techniques, and they use only top-notch quality materials when performing repairs or installations.

We offer a wide range of electrical services, including:

-Lighting installation and repair

-Ceiling fan installation and repair

-Landscape lighting installation and repair

– Electrical repairs

– New construction wiring

– Panel upgrades

Our goal is to provide you with the best possible experience when it comes to your electrical needs. We offer free estimates on work we don’t perform, so no risk is involved when you call us. 
If you are looking for reliable Electrical Services and Solutions in Glen Burnie, call us at (410) 220-6619!