Electrical Safety

Your home’s electrical system serves a vital function – more so now than ever, with more and more of our lives powered by electricity every day. There are several things that homeowners can do to keep everything working properly and ensure the home is safe. In addition to these recommendations, we also strongly encourage our customers to turn to our Portland electricians for regular preventive maintenance.

Call us today at (207) 747-1210 to speak to a member of our team! We're proud to serve clients in Portland, ME and surrounding areas! 

Keep an eye out for overloaded outlets.

One of the most common causes of electrical problems stems from simply plugging too many things into an outlet. Be sure you don’t have appliances plugged into extension cords or multi-outlet converters, and limit one heat-producing appliance per outlet. If you ever notice an outlet is warm or hot to the touch, reach out to an electrician immediately.

Use the correct wattage for your lamps, appliances, and fixtures.

Most fixtures will list what wattage the bulb should be, and it is important to pay attention to those warnings. Going over the rated wattage can result in fixtures overheating.

Unplug all unused appliances to reduce risks.

This is one of the most straightforward tips, as well as one of the easiest to forget. Unplugging appliances when they are not being used can protect them from overheating and power surges. Additionally, this practice can save you money and power – even when powered off, appliances still pull a small amount of electricity.

Keep cords tidy.

Whether or not they are in use, it is important to store electrical cords properly. They should not be tightly wrapped around anything, as this can stretch the cord and compromise it. Cords should also be kept out of reach of children or pets, as well as away from heat sources.

If you have any questions about your electrical system, call our skilled Portland electricians today at (207) 747-1210!