If you’re like most people, you may not know a lot about residential electrical. In this article, we’re going to explore five of the major safety risks that could be potentially life-threatening, and how to avoid them.

What are the major electrical dangers?

There are many electrical dangers that can exist in your home if you don’t take the proper precautions. Some of the most major dangers include:

• Electrocution
• Electrical fires
• Shock
• Burns
• Damage to electronics

All of these dangers can be avoided by taking some simple precautions, such as:

• Unplugging appliances and electronics when not in use
• Using surge protectors for all electronics
• Not overload outlets or extension cords
• Replacing any damaged or frayed cords immediately
• Keeping away from water when using or handling electrical appliances or cords

Safe use of extension cords

Extension cords are a convenient way to bring power to where you need it, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips for safe use of extension cords:

• Only use extension cords that are rated for the voltage and amperage that you need
• Never use an extension cord that is frayed or damaged in any way
• Always plug extension cords into outlets that are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
• Never overload an extension cord by plugging in too many devices
• Always unplug an extension cord before moving it
• Never run an extension cord under a carpet or rug, as this can damage the cord and create a fire hazard

Know where your outlets are

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your home’s electrical outlets. But did you know that they can pose a serious safety hazard if not used properly? Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:

1. Know where your outlets are. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the electrical outlets are located and how to use them safely.

2. Inspect your outlets regularly. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or missing covers. If you see anything that looks damaged, do not use the outlet and contact a qualified electric service provider as soon as possible.

3. Do not overload your outlets. Never plug more than two devices into one outlet at a time. This can cause an electrical fire or shock hazard.

4. Use proper extension cords. When using extension cords, make sure they are properly rated for the devices you are plugging into them. Never use a cord that is frayed or damaged in any way – this could result in an electrical shock or fire hazard.

5. Do not run cords under carpets or furniture. This can damage the cord and create a fire hazard. If you must run a cord under something, make sure it is protected by a heavy-duty cord cover (available at most hardware stores).

Test your outlets for proper power and voltage regularly

If your outlets are not providing proper power or voltage, it could be a sign of an underlying issue with your home’s electrical system. Test your outlets regularly with a voltmeter to ensure they are functioning properly. 

Unplug unused electronics from the wall

We all know that we should be unplugging our electronics when they’re not in use, but many of us don’t do it. Why? Because it’s a hassle! Who wants to go around the house unplugging everything every time you leave the room?

But here’s the thing: leaving your electronics plugged in when you’re not using them is a huge waste of energy – and it’s actually dangerous. Cords can overheat and start fires, so it’s important to make sure they’re unplugged when you’re not using them.

Here are a few tips to help you get into the habit of unplugging your electronics:

1. Unplug unused electronics from the wall. This is an easy way to save energy and prevent accidents.

2. Use a power strip for your home office or entertainment center. That way, you can easily switch off all of your devices with one flip of a switch.

3. Invest in “smart” power strips that sense when devices are turned off and automatically cut off power to them. These are great for people who forget to unplug their devices!

4. Get into the habit of unplugging your device chargers from the wall when you’re finished using them. Many chargers continue to draw power even when they’re not attached to a device, so this is a great way to save energy.

Don’t overload your circuits

1. Don’t overload your circuits – Overloading a circuit can cause a fire. To avoid this, don’t plug more than one appliance into a single outlet. If you need to use multiple outlets, spread them out across different circuits so that each circuit isn’t overloaded.

2. Use extension cords wisely – Extension cords are great for when you need to plug in an appliance that’s not close to an outlet. However, they should only be used on a temporary basis. If you need to use an extension cord for a long period of time, have an electrician install a new outlet closer to the appliance.

3. Be careful with space heaters – Space heaters can be a great way to stay warm in colder months, but they can also be dangerous if used improperly. Never leave a space heater unattended, and make sure it’s turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.

4. Inspect electrical cords regularly – Damaged or frayed electrical cords can pose a serious fire hazard. Inspect all the cords in your home regularly and replace any that are damaged.

5. Don’t use appliances in wet areas – Water and electricity don’t mix! Appliances should only be used in dry areas away from any water sources (sinks, tubs, showers, etc.).