As many have transitioned to remote working or even the hybrid work model amidst the pandemic, the scramble to assemble a suitable work from home space may have left all your electronics and their accompanying cords and chargers in disarray. This has created a home office safety situation that leaves many people at risk.
As you introduce more wires, be sure to follow these simple electrical safety tips so your devices and home are protected against a dangerous electrical situation.
Check the Wattage
Before buying any surge protector or extension cord, be sure it’s compatible with your electronic device or it’s the charger to avoid damage from a power surge or spike. You can also cause damage by plugging something in to an outlet that doesn’t have the ability to handle the power the device needs.
Don’t Overload Outlets
Did you know that an electrical overload is a common cause of a house fire? That’s why ensuring you don’t overload your electrical circuit is one of the most important tips for home office safety!
The outlets around your home were made to give out a set amount of electricity, so overloading them by plugging in too many devices or devices that take up too much power can cause an overload. So, make sure your outlets aren’t warm when you touch them, and remember that when you plug something into the wall, it’s connected and added into the circuit of your whole home!
Use a Surge Protector
The struggle of not having enough outlets to charge all of your electronics can be real. Investing in a reputable surge protector can help you plug in your cellphone, tablet, and laptop all at once! But don’t get this device mixed up with the power strip, surge protectors help make a wall between your device and the current running in from your home, and in the event of a power surge, it can block that extra power from coming in and destroying your electronic devices.
Pick the Right Extension Cord
Extension cords are not really supposed to be a permeant solution but more of a temporary fix, and it’s best to have your electronics near an outlet. But that’s not always a possibility, so having to use an extension cord might be the best solution. When picking out a cord, be sure it’s a three-wire cord that is in good shape with no exposed wire! Be sure it matches the current your equipment will be using and if you find yourself being dependent on the extension cord, you may need to get extra outlets installed throughout your home. This is a must for home office safety.
It’s also important to remember to keep your electronic device, electrical outlets, and any other thing that can lead to exposed electrical current away from water and out of reach of children.
And, if you ever question the electrical safety of your home, or think some extra outlets around your home are needed, give us a call at Colvin Electric for a home inspection!