lights

How to Be Safe With Holiday Decorations

Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating

Now is the perfect time to start decorating for the holidays. What better way to increase holiday anticipation than spending a few days preparing the home for festivities? While decorating can be fun, it can also increase the risk of damage to the home. Every year, holiday decorations harm people and property, either directly or indirectly. 

Every owner should take action to avoid electrical problems during the holidays. Here are some tips from local electrical experts to help make the holidays exciting without the risks. 

Incandescent vs. LED Holiday Lights

lightsLearning mundane details about different types of lighting doesn’t help set the tone for the holidays. However, discussing this is necessary for owners who wish to lower their power bills, enhance their decorations, and prevent accidents. 

Previously, all holiday decorations were made with incandescent bulbs. Some homeowners may still have a few strands lying around since they tend to last a long while. However, most modern lighting is made from LEDs, and chances are that if decorations were purchased in the last few years, they would be made with LED technology. 

Most safety problems originate from incandescent bulbs. Incandescents produce a lot of heat as they burn, increasing the fire risk. Because they waste energy by outputting heat, they also draw a lot of power, making them expensive and increasing the likelihood of damaging electrical systems. 

On the other hand, LEDs use much less power and produce little heat. Upgrading holiday lighting to LEDs can save owners a lot of money on energy bills while reducing the risk of problems. 

Designing a Safe Holiday Display

lightsHoliday decorating takes place indoors and outdoors. Decorating indoors carries fewer risks since there are no environmental factors to worry about. When decorations start going up outside, homeowners should take note of a few things. 

First, all decorations should be inspected before they are installed. Owners should check for damaged or exposed wiring, and damaged decorations should be replaced instead of installed. 

Secondly, outdoor decorations will be designated as such. Outdoor lighting strands will be double-insulated to protect against the weather and wear and tear. 

Third, pay special attention to the number of lighting strands that can be connected. Break up large groupings and distribute them to different outlets or circuits. Finally, never use extension cords to plug outdoor decorations into indoor circuits. 

Electrical Safety Tips

One of the most common problems associated with holiday decorations is fire and electrical problems. Taking time to learn the dos and don’ts of electrical safety can help lower the risk of fires and shocks and reduce the work on the electrical system. For holiday decorating: 

  • Do:
  • Inspect all decorations
  • Test outdoor GFCI devices for proper function
  • Only plug outdoor displays into GFCI outlets
  • Minimize the use of extension cords
  • Only use one extension cord per run
  • Call electricians to install extra outlets if necessary
  • Don’t:
  • Overload outlets with outlet extenders or power strips
  • Overload circuits
  • String together too many lighting strands
  • Leave decorations on all night- use timers instead
  • Bypass safety precautions for convenience 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. specializes in electrical services for homes and businesses. They can quickly enhance holiday decorating by installing outdoor lighting or adding outlets. Call today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.

house

Improve Home Safety With Electrical Upgrades and Services

Important Measures to Keep Homes and Families Safe

Access to electricity is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. With society’s continued reliance on utility, people are finding more ways to use it to protect their homes instead of just providing power and light. Electricians have big responsibilities to ensure that homes stay powered and safe. Here are three ways they can help homeowners protect their homes using the power of electricity. 

Install and Check Smoke Detectors

smoke detectorThe first two items on this list of recommendations may not seem to fall under the authority of electricians. However, according to codes, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential electronic equipment that must be installed in the home. Smoke detectors are small devices that detect tiny amounts of combusted material in the air. When triggered, they sound a loud alarm to get everyone’s attention. These devices should be installed in: 

  • Bedrooms
  • Hallways
  • Living spaces
  • Garages
  • Near utility closets
  • Near the kitchen

Batteries can power smoke detectors, but the better option is to hard-wire them into the home. Electricians usually do this during construction, but they can be wired in at any point if homeowners wish easier maintenance. To maintain smoke detectors, homeowners should check the batteries by testing each device quarterly. Replace batteries every year, even if the current batteries still provide power. For continued protection, smoke detectors should be replaced every five years. 

Use Carbon Monoxide Detectors

smoke detectorThe second device that homeowners can rely on electricians to install is carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that humans cannot perceive. Luckily, carbon monoxide detectors can pick up gas traces and sound an alarm to warn people of the threat. 

Carbon monoxide is generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near furnaces, gas water heaters, and stoves. Like smoke detectors, they can be hard-wired into the home. For homeowners who wish to limit the number of devices attached to their walls, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be installed where both are needed. 

Schedule Professional Electrical Inspection

When people think of electrical inspections, they most often think of the inspections done upon making an offer on a home. However, this is short-sighted. While it is important to know if a home has any electrical shortcomings before closing, over time, electrical problems can develop that will need the trained eyes of a professional to spot. 

Most electrical contractors offer professional electrical inspections, and they can help homeowners determine if they have any problems that have developed over the years. During an electrical inspection, an electrician will:

  • Check outlets and switches for safety and tightness
  • Test GFCI and AFCI outlets and breakers to verify safe operation
  • Inspect visible wiring
  • Open the breaker panel and look for signs of overheating

By allowing an electrician to perform this service, homeowners can ensure the continued reliability of their electrical system and improved safety from shocks and fires. 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. handles electrical concerns for home and business owners. They provide various services, including smoke detector installation and generator service. Call today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.

Ensuring Halloween and Holiday Decorating Is Done Safely

Tips to Ensure Safe and Festive Halloween and Holiday Decorations

So many people enjoy the spooky fun of Halloween and the rest of the festive holiday season. Some homeowners like to put out a few festive decorations, while others go all out with extensive design plans and lights. The key to a fun and festive holiday is to ensure that lights and other decorations are set up safely to prevent electrical mishaps or other accidents that can lead to injury. Enjoy a worry-free celebration with these essential tips. 

Always Inspect Electric Decorations

inspect lights and decorThere are nearly 800 structure fires related to electrical decorations every year. While incidents happen, many of these fires could be avoided using proper precautions and safe handling. The best place to start is to carefully inspect any decoration that requires electricity. Inspecting could alert a homeowner to any concerning elements or damage and make them aware of any potential hazards for safe use. 

During an inspection, look for these things: 

  • Damage to cords, such as wear, fraying, or cuts
  • Faulty wiring
  • Exposed or damaged wires
  • Good working condition
  • Component quality and condition

If anything about the cord, wiring, or other electrical components seems off, it is important to determine whether there could be a hazard. Do not use any damaged items or elements. Inspecting could prevent electrical hazards and keep celebrations safe. 

Be Safe Plugging in Decorations

Plugging in electrical decorations requires some strategy to get it right. It is so important to ensure items are properly plugged in. This means choosing safe locations and ensuring the circuits and outlets will not be overloaded with the electrical demands of the plugs. 

It is important to understand the difference between safe and unsafe plugging locations. If you have any questions or concerns, consult a professional rather than taking the risk. 

Safe locations will always be outlets that are in good condition. It is also important to ensure the outlet has adequate capacity for the demands of the items plugged into it, and if needed, avoid using extension cords. If an extension cord is required, inspect it closely and use it correctly. 

Unsafe locations come from overloading circuits most of the time. Do not plug too many decorations into a single outlet or circuit. Avoid using any damaged outlets or cords. Make sure any outdoor outlets are rated for external use. 

Stay Safe When Away and Asleep

blow out candlesOne of the most common mistakes homeowners make is leaving their homes or going to bed and not shutting down candles and electrical components. Unplugging lights and blowing out any candles is important before going to bed. 

Candles are common for Halloween and holiday decorations but can present a fire risk if not managed properly. This goes for plugged-in lights as well. Turning off those decorations and blowing out candles at bedtime or when the home is unattended will contribute to safe handling.  

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned company that is fully licensed and certified for electrical work. All technicians are carefully trained and properly insured to provide homeowners with reliable, dependable service. Contact them today for electric services in Fort Myers, FL. 

outlet

Electrical Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Always Practice Electrical Safety 

Electricity is used daily in homes and is often not thought about until something goes wrong. However, electricity still presents hazards like electrocution and fires, so households should practice electrical safety. Here are some ways to help avoid electrical hazards and keep people in the home safe.  

outletAvoid Overloaded Circuits and Outlets

Avoiding overloading circuits and outlets is important for electrical safety and helps avoid its potential dangers. Preventing overloaded outlets and circuits is crucial for: 

  • Fire Prevention: Overloaded outlets and circuits can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of electrical fires. When too many devices are plugged into a single outlet or circuit, it can exceed the capacity, causing wires to overheat and potentially ignite nearby materials.
  • Prevention of Electrical Damage: Overloading circuits can damage electrical appliances and devices. Excessive electrical current can damage sensitive components, leading to malfunctions or complete failure of the equipment.
  • Protection of Electrical System: Overloaded circuits put a strain on the electrical system of a home or building. This can lead to power outages and damage to wiring, switches, and outlets, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.
  • Personal Safety: Overloading outlets and circuits poses a risk of electric shock to individuals. Overloaded circuits increase the likelihood of exposed wires or faulty connections, which can lead to accidental electrocution.

However, people can help prevent overloading circuits and outlets and the risks they present. To avoid overloaded outlets and circuits, homeowners should focus on spreading out the electrical load to different outlets and circuits. Appliances should be spread across different circuits, and if a household’s electrical needs change, the electrical system can be upgraded by installing new circuits. 

outletsChildproofing Outlets 

Protecting children from electrical hazards, like shocks and electrocution, is key for parents of newborns and toddlers. One big concern with children is their curiosity, which can lead them to stick things like toys into electrical outlets. Childproofing the outlets is essential for keeping them safe.  

Installing childproof outlets, also called tamper-resistant outlets, is the best option for homeowners looking to childproof the outlets. They have spring-loaded covers or shutters to block the openings and prevent anything but a plug from entering the outlet, protecting children from electrical dangers. 

Signs That It’s Time to Call an Electrician

An important factor in electrical safety is knowing when to call for service from an electrician. Recognizing the signs of electrical problems can allow homeowners to respond quickly before electrical hazards occur. Call for an electrician when noticing signs like: 

  • Warm or hot-to-the-touch outlets or switches
  • A melted or damaged outlet or wiring
  • Burning smell 
  • Buzzing noises
  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Electrical shock

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving the Fort Myers area. They provide upfront pricing, a higher level of customer service, and the latest technology. Call them for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL. 

holiday decorations

Prevent Electrical Problems From Giving You a Scare This Halloween

Safety Tips for Keeping Halloween Electrical Scare-Free

Halloween has always been about scares, but no homeowner wants to worry about an electrical scare. As homeowners adorn their houses with spooky decor and lighting, it’s crucial to remember electrical safety. In this post, electricians offer some tips to keep the Halloween season safe from fire and other electrical hazards.

Inspect Electrical Holiday Decorations

One of the best ways to ensure that electric holiday decorations and holiday light installation for Halloween celebrations are as safe as possible is to check the lights and decor for any signs of damage, such as damaged or frayed cords and wiring. Other signs of damage include loose, wobbly bulbs, broken or damaged sockets, and glass bulbs with a smoky discoloration or a telltale black or gray appearance. These indicate that those holiday lights or decor shouldn’t be used and should be replaced.

Homeowners should also take note of the proper way of installing or putting up lights and other electrical decor. When hanging lights, electricians stress the importance of avoiding the use of staples, nails, and other sharp objects as these can not only damage the wires but also conduct electricity and create a fire and safety hazard. 

Prevent an Overloaded Circuit

overloaded outletAnother way to keep holiday light installations and decorating safe is to avoid an overloaded outlet and circuit, which usually happens when too much power is drawn from a single source. To counter this, homeowners should spread the power draw around by connecting their holiday decor to different outlets to avoid overloading circuits

It is also vital to avoid connecting multiple extension cords together. Extension cords shouldn’t be overloaded as well. It shouldn’t have more devices plugged into it that draw more power than it can safely handle, as this can lead to an overloaded circuit that may become a fire hazard. It’s best to plug lights or decorations directly into an outlet.

Some Signs It’s Time to Schedule Electrical Repair

electrical repairSometimes, homeowners may notice signs that indicate an electrical problem while decorating for holidays. It’s essential to have an electrician perform the required repairs before the home uses more electricity for holiday lighting and decorations. Some signs that indicate electrical repair is needed include the following:

  • Dimming or flickering lights: Lights that flicker or dim, especially when another device is plugged into the same circuit, can indicate that the circuit is overloaded or another issue that requires repair.
  • Malfunctioning or damaged outlets: Outlets that show signs of damage, including loose receptacles, burn marks, electrical sparks, and overheating, as well as those that are not working correctly, should be inspected and repaired or replaced by an electrician.
  • Breaker trips or blown fuses: Breakers that trip often or fuses that blow are sure signs of an electrical issue or overloaded electrical circuit. 
  • Burning smell: If homeowners smell burning, it can indicate an electrical problem or even the start of an electrical fire, so it needs to be addressed immediately. 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. has more than ten years of expertise serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, on-time service, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical repair and troubleshooting in Fort Myers, FL.

Take Preemptive Safety Precautions for National Wellness Month

Essential Safety Measures 

Home is the place where people should feel safest. It is where we relax at the end of a long day, where we are greeted by people who love and care for us, and where we leave the stress at the door. In celebration of National Wellness Month, which is dedicated to promoting self-care, happiness, and stress reduction, we should look closer at our homes and find ways to make them safer, healthier, and happier places to spend time in. Here are some tips from electricians to help families stay safer in their homes. 

Stay a Step Ahead With a Smoke Detector

smoke detectorsOne of the easiest ways to improve the safety of a home is by installing smoke detectors. As the name implies, a smoke detector is a device designed to sense the presence of smoke to alert households to the danger and help prevent a small flame from turning into a full-blown fire. 

In the U.S., every home must be equipped with smoke detectors placed in strategic areas in the house. In the event that smoke is detected, these battery-operated devices will trigger an alarm to alert a home’s occupants of the fire risk, so it is essential to test smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries when needed. 

Be Protected With a Carbon Monoxide Detector

carbon monoxide detectorLike smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors are also a crucial component in maintaining safety in the home. Whether it is a separate device or a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector, they are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. This odorless, colorless gas is poisonous when inhaled and can be lethal, especially in high concentrations. This gas, produced when carbon in fuel is burned incompletely, can be a byproduct of small engines, gas stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces.  

Carbon monoxide detectors are especially important because they help detect what could be an invisible assailant at home. Without these devices, homeowners exposed to carbon monoxide may not even know that they’ve inhaled this gas until they’ve started showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as vomiting, dizziness, headache, chest pain, and confusion. 

Schedule Routine Electrical Safety Inspections

Another way to protect homes and their occupants from safety hazards is by having an electrician conduct regular electrical inspections to determine the health of a home’s electrical system. An electrical inspection, which experts recommend every three to five years, is meant to check whether a home’s electrical system meets current safety standards and if any problems must be addressed to protect residents from electrical dangers like electrocution or fire.

Homeowners should also note that they don’t need to wait the recommended three to five years between electrical safety inspections if they observe any signs pointing to compromised electrical safety. If electrical problems occur, such as flickering lights, sparking, discolored or hot outlets, burning odors, short circuits, or small electrical shocks when plugging in or unplugging a device, an inspection must be conducted immediately.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas since 2010. They offer upfront pricing, on-time arrivals, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.  

Celebrate Electrical Safety Month This Spring!

May is National Electrical Safety Month!  

Electrical safety should be a top priority for everyone. Ignoring electrical safety measures can lead to severe accidents that can cause harm to people and property. People can help ensure a safe and secure environment by being vigilant and following proper safety protocols. This blog post will discuss crucial electrical safety devices and tips to help homeowners stay safe from electrical hazards. 

Install Electrical Safety Devices 

electricalThe following devices can help prevent dangerous electrical hazards:

  • Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): This device automatically shuts off power to a circuit if it senses a hazard, like a ground fault, to prevent electrocution.  
  • Fuses and circuit breakers: These are safety devices designed to prevent electrical overloads and electrical fires. However, there are some key differences. A fuse is designed to melt and break the circuit if too much electrical current flows through it and must be replaced afterward, while circuit breakers are more modern and can be reset if they trip. 
  • Tamper-resistant receptacles: Also called child-proof outlets, a tamper-resistant receptacle prevents small children from inserting foreign objects into outlets, preventing electric shock. 

Know the Warning Signs of an Overloaded Electrical System 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) lists some of the warning signs of overloaded circuits:

  • Flickering or dim lights
  • Crackling or sizzling noises from outlets
  • Feeling a mild shock when plugging something in
  • Smelling a burning odor coming from the socket
  • Discolored outlet plates
  • Frequently blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers 

If homeowners suspect a circuit is overloaded, they should consult a professional electrician immediately. Ignoring this problem, homeowners risk an electrical fire or another problem that could endanger their safety.

Install a Whole Home Surge Protector

surgeA power surge is a sudden and intense increase in the voltage of an electrical circuit. These surges can be caused by lightning, power outages, or high-powered electrical devices. They can cause damage to electronic devices, leading to costly repairs or replacements and even fire in some cases.

Whole home surge protectors are designed to prevent these damaging power surges by diverting excess voltage from the home’s electrical system. They act as a barrier between the power from the utility company and the devices in a home. With a whole home surge protector, any excess voltage is safely directed away from electronic devices and into the ground.

These whole home surge protectors offer a greater level of protection than individual surge protectors that are plugged directly into outlets. They are also more convenient since they protect all the devices in a home at once rather than requiring separate protectors for each outlet. Overall, investing in a whole home surge protector is a wise decision to save people money in the long run by protecting their electronic devices from expensive damage caused by power surges. 

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers and the surrounding areas since 2010. They provide upfront pricing, the latest technology, and financing options. Call them today for electrical services and whole home surge protector installation in Fort Myers, FL

Homeowners Should Add Electrical Safety to Their New Year’s Resolutions

3 Tips for a Safer and Better Electrical System in 2023

Electricity is a powerful thing. The world practically runs on electricity, and people tend to misuse it and take it for granted. This can be detrimental to a home’s electrical system, not to mention making injury and property damage a risk. This article will address some common mistakes people make with their electricity and what they can do in the coming year to correct them.

Tip #1: Avoid Overloading Circuits

circuitEveryone has seen the stereotypical picture of a dangerously overloaded outlet with wires sprouting like branches from a tree. This is not the only way to overload circuits, though. Several other practices should be avoided. Such mistakes include:

  • Using light bulbs with a higher wattage than what is recommended
  • Not using a surge protector
  • Plugging in and running too many high-draw appliances like microwaves, hair dryers, and heaters into a circuit

Tip #2: Schedule Electrical Inspections

Having an electrical inspection is an essential step in ensuring the safety of a home. Electrical inspections help identify any faults or issues with existing outlets and wiring that could cause serious damage or injury. This can include identifying overloaded circuits, improper grounding, and loose connections. Additionally, malfunctions caused by wear and tear over time may be overlooked without a thorough electrical inspection. 

Knowing the risks posed by faulty wiring and outlets, it is vital to have any changes or upgrades to the home’s electrical system inspected. This includes new installations such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, and other appliances. An electrical inspection can provide peace of mind that the family and property are safe from potential electrical hazards like a fire.

Tip #3: Replace Out of Date or Damaged Wiring and Outlets

outletNeglecting to replace old or damaged wires and outlets can result in serious risks. Electrical fires, shocks, and electrocution are just a few potential hazards of malfunctioning wiring. Aging wires may be insulated with materials that have degraded over time, making them more prone to short circuits and electrical fires. 

If an outlet is cracked or damaged, it may not be properly grounded and can present a risk of electric shock. Unsafe wiring can also lead to the need for costly repairs that could have been avoided with proper maintenance. Proper safety protocols should always be followed when dealing with electrical wiring and outlets. 

It is essential to contact a licensed professional if homeowners suspect any issues in their homes. A professional can inspect the wiring and outlets, diagnose any problems, and repair or replace them as necessary. Taking preventative measures to ensure safe and proper wiring is essential for any home.

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing and on-time arrivals. Call them today for an electrical safety inspection, outlet, or wiring repair and replacement in Fort Myers, FL.

How to Decorate Safely For Halloween

A Checklist for Halloween Electrical Safety

Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, but it can also be a time for safety hazards if homeowners are not careful. This guide will share how to decorate the home safely for Halloween so homeowners can enjoy the holiday without worrying about accidents.

There are several things a homeowner should do during the decoration process that can keep the scary stuff fun and keep them from becoming a real cause for alarm, such as causing electrical fires.  

Make Sure They Pass an Inspection

inflatablesHalloween comes but once a year, and that means that the decorations spend the majority of the time in storage, where it is easy for things to go unnoticed. Before setting up and plugging in decorations every year, a person should inspect them for damaged cords and wires. 

Rodents and other pests are known for making a mess of cords, and the age of the decor piece may mean that normal wear and tear have caused it to develop faulty wiring. Before plugging anything in, a homeowner should check for exposed wires, broken bulbs, and the main cord. Decorations suffering from damage are a safety hazard and shouldn’t be used. 

Have a Clear Strategy For Plugging in Decorations

outletsEven if a person is not looking for a display to rival the Griswold’s Christmas lights, they should still be strategic about where things need to be plugged in. Overloading outlets causes electrical fires at worst, and at best, things will not work as they should. Below are a few safety tips for plugging in outdoor decorations:

  • GFCI Outlets:  Outlets categorized as ground-fault circuit interrupters sense the balance of current flowing out of and back into a receptacle. If the flow becomes unequal, then the outlet breaks the circuit. These are perfect for outdoors because they prevent electric shock that can happen with contact with moisture.
  • Avoid Water: Obviously, a person cannot protect their display from precipitation, but avoiding hoses, sprinkler systems, ponds, and swimming pools is a good safety precaution. The danger of electric shock goes way up if things are plugged in near water sources.
  • Use Extension Cords Sparingly: Extension cords can be a valuable tool but can also cause tripping hazards and shock hazards. In addition, too many things plugged into one extension cord can get too hot and melt, causing serious damage.

Take Advantage of the Safety Features in Surge Protectors

One of the ways to increase safety is to use surge protectors. Surges in electricity cause higher-than-normal amounts of energy to run through a wire. Power surges can often cause damage to electronics, and the heat from the surge can ignite an electrical fire. Surge protectors are made to shut off when a power surge happens, protecting the electronics and the home.

Surge protectors come in whole-home models that electricians can install in a breaker box. They can also come in the form of a power strip for extra protection for things plugged into them. Surge protectors are important to prevent electrical fires and damage to any devices or decorations plugged into outlets during a surge.  

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2010. They offer upfront pricing, on-time arrival, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for whole house surge protector services in Fort Myers, FL.

Practice Electrical Safety This Month!

Importance of Electrical Safety

It’s Electrical Safety Month! This is the perfect time to brush up on electrical safety knowledge and make sure homeowners are doing everything they can to keep themselves and their families safe. Electrical safety is important for everyone to learn. After all, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. By following these simple tips, homeowners can keep their homes and families safe from electrical fires.

Don’t Overload Outlets

overloaded outletOverloading outlets is when too many devices are plugged into one outlet. It is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Too much strain is put on the wiring when an outlet is overloaded. This can cause the wires to overheat and start a fire. 

To avoid starting an electrical fire, use power strips, surge protectors, and outlet covers instead of plugging multiple items into one outlet. Never plug more than two devices into one outlet, and be sure to unplug any appliances that aren’t being used.

Follow Recommended Wattage

different wattages Wattage is another important factor when it comes to electrical safety. Appliances like coffee makers and toasters all have a recommended wattage that shouldn’t be exceeded. Going over the recommended wattage can cause the device to overheat and start a fire. Electronics overheating could also ruin them permanently. 

All light bulbs also have a recommended wattage, and it’s important not to exceed that. Going over the recommended wattage can cause the bulb to overheat and start a fire. LED lightbulbs generally have very low wattages compared to normal light bulbs. Getting an LED bulb with a wattage lower than recommended for a lamp is fine because the wattage does not exceed the limit. So be sure to check wattages to help prevent electrical fires and destroyed appliances.

Don’t DIY Electrical Work

DIY electrical work is also a big no-no. DIY electrical work is never a good idea because homeowners attempting to do their own electrical work is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to a fire. If someone needs electrical work done, they should always hire a licensed professional. It’s not worth risking their lives over. And not only is it dangerous, but it’s also against the law in most states.

By following these simple tips, homeowners can help keep their homes safe from electrical fires. Be sure to practice electrical safety not only this month but every month!

About Southwest Florida Electric Inc.

Southwest Florida Electric Inc. is a family-owned and operated business that has served Fort Myers, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2010. They provide upfront pricing, financing options, and on-time arrival. Call them today for electrical services in Fort Myers, FL.