For many, May represents the beginning of the Summer season. School is out, the weather is beginning to warm up, and fun is in the air. But before we can relax and let the summer festivities begin, it’s important to take a moment to review some important safety tips when you’re using your various power products this Summer season. After all, the Electric Safety Foundation International has chosen to recognize the month of May as National Electric Safety Month. In this article, we at MTS Power Products will be offering some tips on how to avoid the dangers of overloading circuits in your home or place of business this season. Overloading circuits can cause significant damage and lead to expensive repairs. They can even be deadly, so following these tips recommended by Electric Safety Foundation International will help keep your loved ones and your property safe.
Warning signs of overloaded circuits include lights that blink, flicker, or dim unexpectedly, smoke or a burning smell emanating from outlets or wall switches, blown fuses or frequently tripped circuit breakers, a crackling, hissing, or buzzing sound coming from the outlets or receptacles, and light shocks or noticeable static electricity when you touch an outlet or switch. To prevent a circuit overload from occurring in your home or place of business in the first place, follow these recommended safety tips – Refrain from using extension cords or other multi-outlet converters for high-wattage appliances. Instead, these appliances should be plugged directly into the wall receptacle outlets, and be sure to only use one heat-producing appliance per outlet at one time.
An overreliance on surge protectors and extension cords may indicate that your home doesn’t have enough outlets to meet your electricity needs. These devices don’t alter the wattage of the outlet, they simply give you more ports in which to plug. In that instance, you may want to consider adding more outlets to avoid any potential overloads or other problems. Before installing new outlets, have a professional electrician inspect your home. Then once that has been completed, have them install the outlets as well – it’s best to go with a professional the first time for installation instead of returning to them for a costly repair after you’ve botched your DIY plans. This is also why it is extremely important to match the appropriate watt bulbs for all of your lighting fixtures – mismatched wattages could result in a circuit overload or electrical fire.
By following this advice, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of a costly and dangerous circuit overload. Be sure to check back here at MTS Power Products this month for more safety tips!
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