Replace damaged equipment appropriately, or have it evaluated by someone qualified.
Families with young children and pets should be especially attentive to accessible cords. Keep electrical cables organized and out of places where children or animals could pull, chew, or otherwise damage them.
Don’t Treat Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring
Extension cords can be useful for temporary situations.
They are not a substitute for properly installed household wiring.
During your annual walkthrough, look around rooms where extension cords have become part of the permanent setup.
If a television, computer, lamp, appliance, or other device always depends on an extension cord because there is no convenient outlet nearby, consider whether the room needs a properly installed receptacle.
Also avoid connecting extension cords or power strips together unless the equipment is specifically designed and rated for that purpose.
A simple rule is helpful: use the right equipment for the job rather than creating increasingly complicated chains of temporary connections.
Inspect Power Strips and Chargers
Modern homes can contain an astonishing number of chargers and small electronic devices.
Power strips may sit under desks, behind televisions, beside beds, and in kitchen areas.
Check them for physical damage, unusual heat, or signs of overloading.
Don’t assume that a power strip makes every electrical situation safe. Different products have different ratings and intended uses.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t exceed the equipment’s rated capacity.
Chargers should also be replaced if their cables or plugs become damaged.
Cheap or counterfeit electrical products can present additional safety concerns, so purchase electrical equipment from reputable sources and follow safety certifications and manufacturer guidance applicable in your country.
