Electrical Safety Tips For The Winter Season

It is the time of the year that many people feel the crunch of the rising cost of heating oil and electric bills.  Many consumers will try to save money by using portable space heaters and electric blankets.  Read the following tips to be safe this winter.  Call Sylvia Electrical Contracting for GFI outlets, switches, and generators.  We handle installation of smoke alarms.  Call us at 978-535-6661 for a free estimate.

General Safety Tips

1. Try to avoid using candles for lighting during a power outage. Instead use flashlights and other battery-powered lights which are not a potential fire hazard.
2. Make sure you have a good supply of flashlights, batteries, and other such supplies in case of emergency.
3. When the power goes out, turn off any major appliances, leaving only a light or two in the "on" position to act as a signal for when the power returns. Larger appliances left on can cause an over-load.
4. When disconnecting an electrical cord, pull from the plug, not the cord itself.
5. Make sure that your electrical devices are in good working order. Check for worn electric cords and broken switches. Broken or bent parts in a heater can cause fires and electrical shock.
6. Eliminate "octopus" connections. Plugging multiple cords into a single socket can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
7. Remember than no matter how safety conscious you think you are, things can always go wrong. It is a good idea to prepare for the unexpected. A good functioning smoke alarm can dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Make sure that the batteries checked frequently. Also a class C fire extinguisher can save lives and damage.

Safety Tips for Portable Space Heaters

1. Keep drapes, newspapers, clothing and other combustible objects a safe distance away.
2. Plug portable space heaters directly into the outlet. Do not use extension cords or 3-in 1 adapters.
3. Always put heaters in a place where they can't be tipped over easily. It's best to keep them on the floor where they have less of a chance of falling and becoming a potential fire or shock hazard.
4. Do not use heaters in wet or moist areas, such as bathrooms, unless they are specifically built for that purpose. Doing so can not only corrode the heater, but can be a dangerous shock hazard.
5. Make sure that the plug of the heater fits snugly in the outlet. A worn-out outlet can overheat, burning up both the outlet and plug. If left unnoticed, this can start a fire throughout the house.
   Note: The plug of the heater will usually get warm to the touch when the heater is in use. This is OK. Make sure that it doesn't get hot.
6. Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Doing so can cause the cord to overheat and start a fire.
7. Broken heaters should be checked and repaired only by a qualified appliance service center. Do not attempt to make any repairs to the heater yourself.
8. Don't use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock.
9. Turn off the space heater and unplug it when not in use.

Safety Tips for Electric Blankets and Heating Pads

1. Electric blankets (that one covers with) and electric heating pads (that put directly on the mattress) should not be used interchangeably or at the same time.
2. Before plugging in your electric blanket or pad, check for any damage and inspect for worn cords and other damage.
3. Never get into bed with a heating pad switched on. Unplug it first otherwise it may overheat and catch fire. Likewise, never lie on top of an electric blanket when it's switched on. This could also start a fire.
4. Electric blankets should not be tucked under the mattress and nothing should be placed on top of the blanket while it is in use (including quilts, blankets and other covers).
   Use the ties on the heating pad to secure it to the mattress. This prevents slipping and creasing which could damage the elements.
5. Do not fold the electric blanket while it's being used. This can cause the blanket to overheat and burn out. Make sure the blanket has a mechanism to cut off the power if the blanket overheats
6. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the electric blanket or pad. Most advise against using heating blankets on waterbeds, sofas, bunk beds, or mechanical beds.
7. When washing the blanket, make sure it is completely dry before use. Never dry-clean an electrical blanket because the chemicals can damage the heating insulation and increase the risk of fire.

By: Jonathan Z. Kremer

Use This Winter Electrical Safety Checklist

The change of seasons is an ideal time to use your cool weather electrical safety checklist to avoid potentially lethal electrical hazards, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, which offers the following safety tips:

Outdoor tools and appliances

• Safely store warm weather tools like lawn mowers and trimmers. Check cold weather tools, such as leaf and snow blowers, along with their power cords, for unusual wear and tear. Repair or replace worn tools or parts right away.
• Unplug and safely store battery chargers that won't be in use again until spring.
• Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities. Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture. Make sure electrical equipment that has been wet is inspected and reconditioned by a certified repair dealer.
• Keep dry leaves swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets and power cords.

Holiday decorations and costumes

• Ensure all holiday lighting and extension cords are in good repair, with no fraying, cracking or cuts, and are certified by an independent testing lab such as UL, CSA or ETL. Follow the rating for indoor or outdoor use.
• Never connect more than three strands of decorative lights together. Make sure all connections are tight and protected from inclement weather, including the outlet. Unplug the lights from the outlet when not in use.
• Make sure spotlights used to highlight decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather and are a safe distance from anything flammable, such as shrubs and bushes, dry leaves or fabric decorations.
• Keep power and extension cords out of pathways.
• Do not coil power cords or extension cords while in use. Do not tuck them under rugs, carpets or curtains. They may overheat, causing a fire hazard.

Electric blankets

• Make sure electric blankets are in good repair and certified by an independent testing lab such as UL, CSA or ETL. Power cords should not be frayed, cracked or cut.
• Do not tuck your electric blanket into mattresses or under children, and don't put anything on top of the blanket while in use, such as comforters or bedspreads.
• Never allow pets to sleep on the electric blanket.

 Power Outages

• Make sure you have candles and outage kits, food, water, etc. 
• Sylvia Electrical can give you prices on portable or stand-alone generators so you don't have to be left in the dark.
• Even portable generators can keep your heat and refrigerator going

Sylvia Electrical can help with all your electrical needs.  Our local electricians are ready to help you.  Call us today at 978-535-6661 for a free estimate.
 

SERVICES WE OFFER TO OUR CUSTOMERS

Often times we forget just how much we depend on electricians and electrical contractors.  Here are some of the services that Sylvia Electrical can offer both residential and business  owners. 

If your lights flicker, you have had water damage, added an addition or remodel an electrical panel upgrade would be in order.  Perhaps your house was built during the 1950's when knob and tube wiring was currently being used.  In 2012 knob and tube wiring needs to be replaced if you are selling your house or trying to obtain home insurance.  It can be potentially unsafe if not checked and updated.

Are you the type of homeowner that uses extension cords and  outlet strips in your home.  It may be time to have a licensed, insured electrician in your area install additional electrical outlets.  Do you want to update a room?  A quick fix would be to install new fixtures, track lighting or recessed fixtures.  If you would like another alternative to expensive air conditioning, have a ceiling fan installed.  They are cooling and more energy efficient.  These inexpensive updates can seem intimidating to many homeowners.  Call Sylvia Electrical for prices that will make it a worthwhile investment.

As you are aware televisions are getting bigger and bigger.  They no longer sit on a small tv stand in a room.  They are high definition wall mounted televisions.  If you do not want to see wires and wire mold coming down the wall, call us.  Our electricians can install outlets on the wall and hide the wires for a professional clean look.  If you need telephone, cable or internet wiring, we can handle that.

Maybe you have installed a new hot tub, spa, or swimming pool.  Remember that these need special GFI outlets and wiring.  This must be done to comply with the National Electrical code and for safety reasons.  Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

We have not forgotten our commercial customers.  We are experts at commercial and tenant suit ups.  Our licensed electricians can upgrade panels to accommodate new equipment.  We can install motors, exhaust fans and transformers.  We can offer insightful alternatives to adding energy to help your company move ahead.  Owner Steve Sylvia, master electrician and electrical contractor can design all phases of electrical installations.

Safety is always a concern.  Installing landscape lighting and video surveillance equipment can help to keep family and businesses safe.  Sylvia Electrical can offer a wide array of outdoor lighting ideas and surveillance equipment.  Don't let summer storms or severe winter weather keep you in the dark.  We are certified generator installers.  There are generator for every need.

Call 877-535-6661 for a free estimate to discuss your business or residential needs.

• Electrical Panel Upgrades
• Electrical Outlet and Fixture Installation
• Generator Installation for commercial and residential customers
• Commercial and Tenant Suit-ups
• New and Remodel Residential Construction
• Motors, Exhaust Fans, and Transformers
• Appliance circuits, hot tubs and spas & landscape lighting
• Telephone, cable, and Internet wiring
• Flat Screen TV installation
• Recessed lighting, track lighting, dimmers & cabinet lighting
• Electrical Code corrections
• Designing all phase Electrical Installations
• Ceiling Fan Installations
• Knob and Tube Wiring
• Solar Installations
• Video Surveillance