The kitchen is one of the busiest and most used rooms in your home, so it can be a prime location for electrical hazards. With a myriad of different appliances being used close to water, there are many potential electrical hazards.
At Mr. Electric of Katy, we take pride in providing reliable electrical service in Houston and many other areas. In this article, we will discuss some of the top kitchen electrical safety tips to keep in mind.
- Use GFCI Outlets
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are installed in damp locations, such as kitchens to minimize the risk of shock injuries and fatal burns. GFCI outlets work by tripping the circuit whenever there’s an imbalance between incoming and outgoing power. These outlets are necessary, especially when electrical outlets are positioned near damp or wet locations. Apart from being an essential electrical safety feature in the kitchen, the National Electric Code requires you to install GFCI outlets in all wet or damp locations.
- Install A Surge Protection System
A surge protector is designed to protect appliances and electrical devices against voltage spikes and power surges. Surge protection is an essential part of your kitchen’s electrical safety, as it guards against sudden power surges. In the kitchen, there are a lot of high-powered appliances that can put an extra demand on your electric power. Therefore, a surge protector is a necessity to ensure your kitchen appliances don’t suffer damage due to power surges. If you’ve not installed a power surge protection system in your home, look for an experienced electrician in Spring, TX to help you install an effective surge protection system for your home.
- Always Operate Plugs or Switches with Dry Hands
It is dangerous to handle electrical appliances with wet hands because electricity and water don’t mix well together. Wet hands are a good conductor of electricity, so operating plugs or switches while your hands are wet can cause electrocution or even death.
- Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Kitchen appliances like electric kettle, pressure cooker, blenders, and coffeemakers must be unplugged immediately after use. Apart from helping with energy savings, unplugging appliances when you are not using them prevents appliance damage in the event of a power surge. It’s also advisable to avoid leaving kitchen appliances unattended when they are plugged in and turned on.
- Don’t Use Power Strips and Extension Cords Permanently
While power strips and extension cords can be convenient when you want to plug in appliances at a distance, you should never permanently rely on them because they are not designed for long-term use. Besides, power strips and extension cords cannot handle high-powered appliances like cookers, refrigerators, and microwaves. You should install more grounded electrical outlets in your kitchen instead of relying on extension cords.
Need Help with Improving Your Kitchen Electrical Safety? Get in Touch with Mr. Electric of Katy
Are you looking for a knowledgeable and experienced electrician in Spring, TX to help you with your kitchen electrical safety needs? Reach out to Mr. Electric of Katy today. Mr. Electric of Katy can help you make the right updates to improve electrical safety in your kitchen. We are a full-service electrical company that provides reliable and cost-effective electrical services for commercial and residential customers in the areas we serve. When you’re in need of electrical service in Houston, call Mr. Electric of Katy.
