Home Office Electrical Safety Guide
When working from home, one must prioritize electrical safety in their home office.
When working from home, one must prioritize electrical safety in their home office. Electrical hazards can cause injury and property damage, but following some simple guidelines will help keep the office safe for daily use:
Avoid overloading outlets
An overloaded outlet pulls in more power than the circuit can handle. Overloading outlets with too many plugs can cause overheating and even start a fire. Therefore, plug the electrical devices into various outlets and avoid using multiple extension cords or power strips in one outlet.
Unplug appliances when not in use
Not only will this help save energy, but it will also minimize the risk of shock or fire. Appliances that should be unplugged when not in use include TVs, computers, modems, stereos, DVD players, and TV cable boxes.
Inspect electrical cords regularly
Regularly inspect all electrical and extension cords for damage, such as torn insulation and exposed wires. If there's any damage, a homeowner should replace the cord immediately or hire a professional to do it for them. Also, use extension cords temporarily, so unplug them after use to avoid deterioration.
Use power strips wisely
Place power strips in places with good air circulation to disperse extra heat. Don't bind or knot electrical cords because doing so can cause damage and potentially start a fire.
Childproof all the outlets
Homeowners with children should be more careful with outlets, even if the office area is out of bounds for these little ones. They should use outlet covers to avoid electrocution. Children may stick their fingers or other objects into outlets, so keeping them covered when not in use is essential. Also, educate them on various electrical safety guidelines and warn them not to put cables in their mouth.
Be careful with heat sources
To reduce the chance of a fire, keep combustible materials, such as paper, wood, and household chemicals, as well as anything that can emit combustible vapors, at least three feet away from electrical heat sources. If there is a space heater in the home office, follow the manufacturers' instructions for safety.
Examine the lighting
Examining electrical lighting is also essential for home office electrical safety. Proper lighting can help prevent eye strain, provide better visibility, and reduce the risk of accidents. Therefore, check the lighting system's temperature, brightness, and color rendering and ensure they correspond with the available wattage to prevent electrical overload.
Invest in electrical safety
Following the above guidelines will ensure the home office electrical wiring is safe. If there are potential hazards, call an electrician to fix them as soon as possible to minimize the possibility of injury and property damage.
ACT Electric performs quality, licensed, bonded work at affordable prices for residential and commercial services. From troubleshooting to whole-house electrical renovations, our primary concern is the comfort and safety of our customers. Give us a call at (480)986-1722 today!
