Here are five easy, loss-prevention tips that will help avoid some of the most common electrical failures. Taking care of these items now will help to save money on repairs, while keeping the house running smoothly and safely for the entire family.

1. Identify the Location of the Main Electrical Shutoff Switch

In an emergency, quickly turn off all power until the problem is identified and corrected. This includes suspicion of an electrical fire, smoke observation, arcing or sparking in any electrical equipment, or if someone is shocked from live electrical wiring.

2. Look for Signs of Corrosion on Any Electrical Equipment

Most people see the early signs of corrosion and do nothing about it because there aren’t any immediate problems. Ignoring corrosion can lead to rust-thorough conditions that allow water to enter critical electrical equipment and cause a loss of power.

3. Install a Whole-House Surge-Protection Device

An electrician can install a surge-protection device at the main power panel to protect the entire home. A surge-protection device can help to protect valuable electronic appliances and devices from the destructive damages and replacement costs resulting from internal and external surges. These are now code-required for all new home construction.

4. Check all Electrical Cords for Cuts, Brittleness or Damaged Ends

Make sure to check the cords on electrical equipment for signs of deterioration such as cracking, brittleness, fraying, cuts, crushed insulation, and exposed copper wires or strands. Excessive heat, abrasion, animal or rodent chewing, physical abuse, excessive movement, and loose connections can all play a role in reducing the cord capabilities.

5. Don’t Use Power Strips for Large Loads Such as Kitchen Appliances

Power strips are intended for small loads such as computers, computer peripheral equipment, and small office usage. Since the home is wired with a few wall receptacles, each having only two places for a plug, the power strip serves a great purpose in setting up a modern “home office” location.

CLICK HERE for more tips on preventing electrical issues from the HSB Equipment Resource Center.

Remember, working on house wiring is best left to the licensed electricians properly trained in this field and knowledgeable of all the local, state, and federal regulations for safe electrical installations. Electrical work by unqualified persons will greatly increase the risk of shock, electrocution, and fire.

There is no reason to wait until an outage before calling an electrician. These tips will help identify electrical conditions that precede a dangerous and expensive electrical loss event. Knowing the warning signs of imminent electrical device failures and taking preemptive actions now can help avoid the inconvenience, and collateral damages, that usually occur during actual failures

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