10 Electrical Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets are designed to shut off electrical power in a fraction of a second when they detect that current is flowing through water or a person. They are required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor areas, laundry rooms, and anywhere within six feet of a water source.

Test your GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the test button, verifying the outlet loses power, then pressing reset. If the outlet does not trip when tested, it needs to be replaced immediately. Professional installation typically costs $150 to $300 per outlet.

A standard household outlet is rated for about 1,500 watts. When you plug in too many high-draw devices on a single circuit, you risk overheating the wiring inside your walls. Use power strips with built-in surge protection, but never daisy-chain multiple extension cords or power strips together.

Warning signs of an overloaded circuit include outlets that feel warm to the touch, flickering lights, buzzing sounds from outlets or switches, and circuit breakers that trip frequently. If you notice any of these signs, redistribute your devices across different circuits and contact an electrician.

Frayed, cracked, or pinched electrical cords are a serious fire hazard. The protective insulation is all that stands between the live conductors and combustible materials in your home. Never run electrical cords under rugs or carpets where damage cannot be seen and heat cannot dissipate.

Never use electrical tape to repair a damaged cord. A taped cord may appear fixed but the repair will not withstand ongoing flexing and use. Replace the entire cord or the appliance. If you notice any cord damage, stop using the device immediately until it is properly repaired or replaced.

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home electrical system. Panels under 25 years old should be inspected every five years, while older panels should be checked annually. If you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panel, have it replaced immediately as these panels have documented safety defects.

During an inspection, a licensed electrician will check for overheating, corrosion, proper breaker operation, adequate grounding, and whether your panel capacity meets your current needs. Many older Pittsburgh homes have 60-amp or 100-amp panels that are insufficient for modern electrical demands.

A whole-house surge protector is installed at your electrical panel and protects every circuit in your home from power surges. These surges can come from lightning, utility grid switching, or even large appliances cycling on and off in your own home. Installation typically costs $300 to $600.

This is especially important if you have sensitive electronics, smart home devices, or a home office. While individual power strip surge protectors help, they only protect the devices plugged into them. A whole-house system provides a first line of defense for everything connected to your electrical system.

All outdoor outlets must have weather-rated covers and GFCI protection. When using power tools or electrical equipment outdoors, keep them away from water and never use them in the rain. Always call 811 at least three business days before digging to have underground utility lines marked.

Keep ladders, antenna equipment, and tree-trimming tools at least ten feet away from overhead power lines. Contact your utility company if you notice trees growing into power lines rather than attempting to trim them yourself. Downed power lines should never be approached and should be reported to 911 immediately.

Homeowners can safely handle some basic tasks like changing light bulbs, replacing light switch and outlet covers, and installing light fixtures on existing circuits. However, anything involving your electrical panel, new circuits, or rewiring should always be done by a licensed electrician.

Pennsylvania requires permits for most electrical work beyond simple fixture replacements. Unpermitted work can create safety hazards, void your insurance, and cause problems when selling your home. The cost of hiring a professional is small compared to the risk of electrical fire or shock from improper DIY work.

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries at least once a year, even in hardwired models with battery backup. Replace the entire detector unit every ten years, as the sensors degrade over time and may not respond reliably.

For best protection, install hardwired detectors with battery backup that are interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound. Place at least one smoke detector in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home including the basement and attic.

Never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage, or in any enclosed or partially enclosed space. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can be lethal within minutes. Place generators at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent, and point the exhaust away from the house.

Always let a generator cool completely before refueling, as gasoline spilled on hot engine parts can ignite instantly. Use a proper transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed power into your panel by plugging a generator into a wall outlet, as this sends electricity back through the utility lines and can electrocute line workers.

Some warning signs require immediate professional attention. Call a licensed electrician right away if you experience frequent breaker trips, hear buzzing or crackling sounds from outlets or switches, smell burning near electrical components, or notice discolored or warm outlet covers. These are signs of potentially dangerous wiring issues.

Other urgent signs include feeling a tingling sensation when touching appliances, lights flickering throughout the house rather than just in one fixture, and any electrical shock no matter how minor. Do not attempt to diagnose or fix these issues yourself. Turn off the affected circuit at the panel and call a professional.