5 Winter Electrical Safety Tips

5 Winter Electrical Safety Tips from Castle Rock Electricians

Winter Electrical Safety Tips for Your Castle Rock Home

Is your home’s electrical system as safe as it can be? An annual electrical inspection can help you find out. As the holidays approach, it’s crucial to prioritize your family’s safety. Don’t let electrical hazards ruin your wintertime festivities! Learn about 5 Winter Electrical Safety Tips from Castle Rock Electricians- (303) 790-8813 Licensed and Insured. Frayed or damaged cords can lead to electric shock, sparks and fire. · Make sure cords are not concealed with a rug or other floor covering—cords can overheat, Denver Electrical Contractor Before beginning any work that requires using electricity always check the tools you are using. Begin by inspecting the electrical cord. Follow our winter electrical safety tips to ensure a worry-free season in your Castle Rock area home.

Let our electricians in Castle Rock handle you’re rewiring and installation projects!

1. Replace Old or Worn-Out Heating Pads and Electric Blanket Safety.
2. Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets. …
3. Don’t Plug Space Heaters into Extension Cords or Power Strips. …

How do you keep your Castle Rock area home safe this winter?

Don’t drape items over appliances. Keep combustible materials like upholstery and other linens away from appliances, especially space heaters and the stove. Statistics show that the month of December sees a significant increase in electrical product sales. Coupled with Colorado’s colder weather, this spike in purchases raises the risk of electrical fires, electrocutions, and injuries. Keep appliances clean and well-maintained. · Unplug any appliance before working on it. · Keep electric appliances away from water.

Keep in mind these winter holiday electrical safety facts:

– More home fires happen during the winter months compared to any other time of the year.
– Heating equipment ranks as the second leading cause of residential fires in the United States.
– Over 40% of decoration fires occur due to decorations being placed too close to heat sources.

To enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season, here are five essential winter electrical safety tips:

1. Be aware of the do’s and don’ts to ensure everyone’s safety.
2. Keep decorations away from heat sources to prevent fire hazards.
3. Regularly check heating equipment for any potential issues or malfunctions.
4. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many devices or decorations.
5. Always hire a professional electrician for rewiring and installation projects.

Don’t let unsafe electrical practices dampen your holiday spirit. Take precautions and stay safe throughout the year. Trust the expertise of a professional electrician for your electrical needs.

Don’t Plug Space Heaters into Extension Cords or Power Strips.

Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips. These devices are not designed to handle the high current that space heaters require, which can lead to melting, burning, or even fires. It is safest to plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet and avoid using other devices on the same outlet. Additionally, space heaters can overload circuits with other lights or outlets, so consider adding a dedicated circuit and outlet for regular use. Keep flammable items such as papers, drapes, pillows, sofas, and blankets away from space heaters, and supervise children to prevent burns or shocks. Never leave a space heater unattended, turning it off when leaving home or sleeping. A fire can start within seconds if a space heater tips over or comes into contact with flammable objects like blankets or curtains. Avoid placing heaters on surfaces that can overheat and start fires, such as cabinets, tables, or carpeting. Opt for a flat and level surface that will not overheat, such as tile or hardwood floors. Here are additional winter space heater safety tips.

Avoid Electrical Outlet Overload During the Holidays.

Ensure your home stays bright and safe this holiday season by following our essential winter electrical safety advice: only plug one high-wattage decoration into each wall outlet to prevent overloading. Overloading outlets is a leading cause of holiday fires.

Overdrawing current from a circuit can trip the circuit breaker or blow a fuse, effectively breaking the circuit to prevent overload. However, circuit breakers and fuses are not always reliable.

Additionally, when lighting your Christmas tree, make sure to plug the lights into a surge protector to safeguard against voltage spikes that could cause all the lights on your tree to burn out.

Replace Old or Worn-Out Heating Pads and Electric Blanket Safety.

Heating pads and electric blankets cause almost 500 fires annually, with most incidents involving electric blankets older than ten years. Personal heating appliances come in two types – mattress heating pads and electric blankets. These should not be used interchangeably or simultaneously. To ensure electrical safety during winter, remember to replace any worn or old heating pads or electric blankets. Do not place anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket while in use, as they may overheat when covered by other blankets or pets. Never fold electric blankets when in use as folded or tucked-in blankets may overheat and start a fire. Lastly, never leave a heating device unattended or use it while sleeping.

Use the Right Type of Outdoor Extension Cords and Lights.

When setting up outdoor decorations, always use outdoor lights and extension cords designed specifically for outdoor use. Make sure to understand the difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords. While you can use an outdoor extension cord indoors, it is not safe to use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Outdoor extension cords are built with more durable insulation to protect against moisture and temperature changes.

When it comes to running Christmas lights, it is best to choose a 16-gauge extension cord for light runs of 25 feet or less. For longer runs exceeding 25 feet, opt for a heavier duty 14-gauge cord. This will ensure that your lights are properly powered without risking any electrical hazards. Read these additional Extension Cord Safety Tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

Hire professionals for rewiring and installations!

For any rewiring or new installation needs, it’s best to hire a professional. They are knowledgeable about the National Electrical Code and can ensure the job is done right, avoiding any potential issues with future electrical inspections. Read more Consumer-Friendly Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association.