Settling down in your new home can be exhausting. The struggle of packing and moving from one place to another requires a lot of effort. Shifting your belongings to setting up your furniture and electrical gadgets can take several days.

For that, you will need to look at the house’s electrical wiring first. You can get an inspection done to find out if there are issues. If none are found, you still need to take a few precautions to avoid electrical threats.

We have jotted down a few of them below to help you prevent electric hazards at your new home.

Correct Wattage is Important

Make sure you use bulbs, tubes, and lights of the correct wattage. While purchasing any of these, remember to check the Watt of each device. Sometimes you buy a high-watt bulb for a circuit that doesn’t support it, which leads to an electrical hazard. This may sometimes happen as people trick you too but remember to cross-check before they fix the wrong bulb at your home.

Keep Your Electric Appliances Away from Water

Remember the old chemistry lessons? Where the teacher told us not to play with water around wires. Well, you guessed it right, it is because water and electricity have good chemistry but can harm you. The connection can give you a shock, which can sometimes even lead to death. So every time, consciously make sure that electrical equipment is completely dry before using it.

Watch out for Overloaded Sockets

It is never a great idea to use a multi-switch for your multiple needs at one socket. Sometimes, when using a multi-switch, you don’t realize you are welcoming hazards yourself. Keep an eye on not making multiple uses of one switch simultaneously to avoid electricity loss. Make sure you use smart plugs that can be used to monitor outlet power loads and even shut off appliances if an outlet begins to overheat. Note that if you use power strips, they may change the amount of power coming from the outlet.

Install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Ensure you have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) installed in your home. This can help save you from a short circuit. This device is used for detecting current faults or leakages in an electrical circuit. However, when this powered device comes in contact with water or if it has any other problem, you are immediately notified. Post that, this device shuts off the power in no time, preventing the home from an electrical short circuit.

Clean Exhaust Fan Prevent Circuits

It’s a known fact that some appliances have exhaust fans which can get dirty quickly. If your fan is clogged with dust, it will make the appliance work difficult. Debris on the fans can shorten the life of the appliance. In addition, it can cause risk to the home as overheating can give rise to the circuit. Remember, this buildup can also lead to dangerous gases, leading to an electrical fire hazard. Hence, clean exhaust fans regularly to prevent such threats.

Use Outlet Covers

There is no point wasting your energy running after your kids and protecting them from touching the outlets. Instead, make sure you use outlet covers that can be lifesavers. These covers come in a variety of designs and colors. They are not only helpful when you have kids, but also help keep the switches clean. Search for various brands, look for designs that match your interiors, and choose the best out of the rest.

Avoid Using Electrical Outlet Stretching Devices

Electrical Outlet stretching devices like cube taps, extension cords, power strips are very convenient. However, you have to remember they can overload your circuit. Later, they may even cause a short circuit or even catch fire. We understand that sometimes it’s unavoidable and you have no choice but to use these items. So remember to use it when it’s required the most. Make sure they are of high quality and in good condition, and you are turning them off when not in use.

These were just a few ways to prevent electrical hazards in your home. Electrical short circuits can cause significant damage to our homes and us. So why not check them from the start? You can get a house inspection done before or after purchasing your dream home to keep the hazards away. 

Atlantic Building Inspections has experience of 20 years in this field and can provide you with authentic reports. So schedule for one today and take the first step towards safety!