Home Electrical Safety

Most cases of injury or death associated with electricity occur within or around the home. Approximately 2,400 children each year suffer severe electrical shock and burns. Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that an annual average of 53,000 residential fires are caused by problems with electrical wiring systems, appliances, clothes dryers, or air conditioning, causing $1.5 billion in property damage.

Precautions you can take to stay safe around electricity are listed below. For more information on electrical safety, visit NFPA on the Web.

Indoor Precautions

Electrical outlets in bathrooms, the kitchen, basements, and garages should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This is a tool that protects you from a dangerous shock when water and electricity come together. An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), should be installed in bedrooms because of a history of shock hazards in these areas. An electrician can install these for you.

• Regularly check outlets

  • All plugs should fit securely into outlets

  • Outlets and extension cords should not be overloaded with too many plugs

• Check all cords for frays or cracks
  • Never nail or staple a cord to a surface
  • Do not place cords under carpets, rugs, or furniture
• Use a surge protector for your electronic devices and appliances
• Always use the proper wattage of light bulbs in fixtures
  • Make sure all bulbs are properly and securely screwed in
• Never leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into contact with water
  • If an appliance falls into water, turn off the power source and unplug the appliance before removing it
• If you have an older home or a home that has had extensive renovation or remodeling, have a qualified, licensed electrician perform an electrical inspection

• Outdoor outlets should be weatherproof and protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect you from shock
• When using power tools, make sure they have heavier wiring, are properly insulated, and have a three-way grounded plug
• Never let children play around electrical equipment or climb a utility pole, tower, or tree near power lines
• Do not climb in or build anything in a tree that has wires running through it
• Do not install an antenna or use electric-powered mowers or other tools in wet conditions
• Keep long tools and ladders away from overhead power lines
• Contact with overhead power lines is the most frequent cause of electrocution, and it is often related to the use of antennas and ladders
• Never sit on, or climb on electrical equipment of any kind
• Call 811 before you dig
  • In Tennessee it is state law that you must call before digging to make sure you know the location of any underground utilities
  • In Tennessee call 811 for a dig/locate request
  • For general information you may go to  Call 811 site on the Web
• Always assume that utility lines and other electrical equipment are "live" - or energized - and keep away from them