4 Important Electrical Safety Tips For Your Home's Bathroom

The bathroom is one room of the home where extra safety precautions should be taken in regards to using electricity; that's because bathrooms, by their very nature, tend to be wet environments--and most people know that water and electricity don't mix. Whether you're in the process of having a new bathroom wired for electricity or simply want to be safer in your current bathroom, there are some important electrical safety tips you need to know.

Test Your GFCI Outlets Regularly

For starters, understand that all bathrooms should be outfitted with Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) on the outlets; these work by shutting off circuits immediately in the event of a ground fault, reducing the chances of an electrical fire starting in your bathroom. All GFCI outlets have "test" buttons on them that you should utilize often to ensure that the devices are working properly. If not, be sure to contact an electrician right away.

Don't Use Extension Cords

Furthermore, be sure to avoid using extension cords of any kind in your bathroom. Because bathrooms tend to be damp spaces, you could be putting yourself at risk of electric shock or even starting an electrical fire when you use extension cords in your bathroom. Unlike GFCI wall outlets, extension cords don't have the ability to shut off immediately in the event of a ground fault.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Play it safe by always unplugging appliances in your bathroom--such as hair dryers, radios, and curling irons--as soon as you're done using them. Doing so will help to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Furthermore, be sure to keep your appliances away from water sources, such as sinks and bath tubs, when they are plugged in.

Be Aware of Electrical Red Flags

Finally, be aware of the common signs of electrical problems in your bathroom. These include but are not limited to:

• GFCI outlets that trip regularly
• lights that flicker a lot, even after changing bulbs
• unusually warm light switches and outlets

If you notice any of these red flags in your bathroom, don't ignore them; contact an electrician to have your bathroom's electrical work inspected right away.

By being aware of this important bathroom electrical safety tips, you can help to lower the risk of electrical fire or electrical shock in your home's bathrooms. Be sure to pass these tips on to others living in your household while you're at it. For more advice, contact a business such as Albarell Electric Inc.

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