The three main types of electrical accidents in homes include:

Electric Shock

This occurs when a part of the body, usually an arm, finger, or hand, comes into contact with an electrical energy source. The electrical energy then flows through a portion of your body and causes shock. 

A mild electrical shock leaves a tingling sensation. On the other hand, moderate electrical shocks cause the muscles to contract, while a severe electrical shock can cause respiratory issues and even heart failure!

Electrical Burn

When you come into contact with electricity, the electric current can travel through your body and damage some tissues and organs. The damage can range from minor to severe and may even cause death. You may experience severe muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, and burns on the skin afterward, but the symptoms depend on where and how badly you have been burned.

Electrical Fire

Electrical fires occur when there’s a failure or malfunction within the electrical components of an equipment or device. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation National, home electrical fires account for 51,000 fires each year.

Electrical Safety Precautions 

A safe home is a happy home! To avoid any electrical accidents from occurring, you must be responsible for how you use and take care of your gadgets and appliances. 

Follow the following tips to maintain electrical safety at your home:

1. Use the Correct Wattage
   
   The wrong light bulb can cause severe problems in your home. When you use a light bulb that exceeds the actual watts, your fixture may overheat, become discolored, or worse, burn down your house.
   
   Make sure to match the light bulb wattage to light fixtures. Read the maximum wattage ratings printed on the bulb.
   
   
2. One Plug at a Time
   
   An overloaded socket occurs when one too many items are plugged into a socket. You can prevent this from happening by plugging just one plug into the socket. Never plug another extension cord into an extension cord; this will create a hazard!
   
   If you notice any discoloration or black marks around your socket, call a residential electrician near you to get it checked and fixed.
   
   
3. No to D.I.Y.
   
   Learn to determine when you can’t do it yourself—electrical work is one of these instances. One wrong move can damage your entire electrical system and even injure you! You can manage some things, such as replacing an outlet cover or replacing a light bulb, but more complicated tasks are best left to the professionals. Electrical problems aren’t an invitation for you to solve them, but are signs you need to call an electrician!

Conclusion

Protect your family and your house from electrical accidents! Take the necessary electrical safety precautions to maintain your electrical devices’ functionality and preserve the safety of everyone inside the home. Reach out to a residential electrician near you if you have any more questions regarding electrical accidents.

Leave the electrical work to our electricians at B Town Electric! From small residential jobs to large commercial and industrial electrical projects in Belchertown, our electricians can handle them. We offer electrical service throughout all of Western Massachusetts including towns in Hampshire County, Hampden County and Franklin County.  We are OSHA 10 certified, and also a lead safe renovator-supervisor. Request a free electrical estimate today!