Stay Well With These Electrical Tips
Many people begin a new year with new goals. Make good electrical safety practices 1 of yours by following these tips!
Outlets/Cords
- Replace missing or broken outlet covers.
- If children are in the home, place safety covers on outlets.
- Check cords for damage or fraying. Replace any that show wear.
- Do not place carpet or rugs on top of cords.
- Do not use extension cords for a long-term power solution.
- Only use indoor extension cords inside. They are not designed to withstand the weathering that comes with outdoor use.
Fuses/Breakers
- Check your breaker box to ensure your breakers and fuses are rated for the circuits they protect. If anything is amiss, have a qualified electrician address the problem.
- Repair or replace any appliances that often trip breakers or blow fuses.
- Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) on outlets in the bedroom. These devices break a circuit when it detects electric arcs — often caused by loose wiring.
- Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on outlets in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. GFCI devices are designed to trip breakers once they detect a problem.
- Don’t treat breakers like light switches. This will cause the breakers, which protect electrical circuits from faults, to wear out quickly.
Outside the Home
- Always keep any equipment you operate at least 10 feet away from an overhead power line.
- Power lines can be underground, so call 811 to have a work area inspected before digging.
- Be cautious when planting trees near power lines. Trees that contact power lines can conduct electricity. Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative maintains a 30-foot right-of-way — 15 feet on each side of a power line — to ensure our service is reliable and safe.
- When storing electrical components in a garage, store them in containers to prevent damage from moisture or animals.
By staying vigilant when interacting with electricity, you can have a safe 2024!