Expert Electrical Tips By Bush Electric Co, LLC

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Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. You should test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan so be sure to change the batteries every six months and change the detector itself every 10 years.

 The primary role of a GFCI outlet is to minimize the risk of electric shock. Electricity is always seeking a path to ground, and if that path leads through a human body, it can be fatal. GFCI outlets significantly reduce this risk by detecting ground faults and interrupting the flow of electricity. They are particularly crucial in environments where electrical equipment is near water—like bathrooms or kitchens—where the risk of shock and the potential for injury are increased.  By incorporating GFCIs into your home, you're  integrating a vital safety feature that guards against the most common and dangerous electrical risks. 

Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside:

• Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
• Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
• Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
• Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

 According to a survey conducted by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), 2,400 children are injured by electrical outlets every year. There are a few different ways you can childproof your outlets. The traditional option is to simply cover your outlets. Outlet covers can be effective for some, but children as young as two can get past these simple covers, according to the study by the ESFI. Covers just aren’t as effective as the following choices. Tamper Resistant Receptacles, or TRRs, require that equal pressure be applied on each outlet receptacle to open the cover and reveal the outlet. Electrical outlets can be an overlooked aspect of childproofing, but the solution is easy if you have the right equipment installed. Childproofed outlets can give you the peace of mind you need to know your child is safe in your home.

Over time, it is only natural that wear-and-tear will impact electrical cords. But there are some steps you can take to help protect your family and property from injuries and costly damage. Replace your damaged, old, or worn-out appliances and their cords immediately. If you notice a wire is frayed, stop using it and dispose of it right away.  Keep children and pets away from electrical cables. If you see children or pets playing with an electrical wire, remove them from the area immediately and inspect the cord for signs of damage. Indeed, being so vigilant about the wires and cords around your home can seem like a chore. But keep in mind that performing these tasks is far less expensive (financially and emotionally) than rebuilding your home.