May is Electrical Safety Month

Protect your home from electrical hazards and keep your family safe

Electricity plays many roles in our lives, from powering baby monitors, cellphones and lighting, to running HVAC systems and appliances. It’s no wonder we take for granted the instant response from systems and devices when we flip a switch or hook to a power outlet. May is National Electrical Safety Month, and here at Choptank Electric Cooperative, we think it’s a great time to look around your home and check for potential electrical safety hazards. 
Remember, every electrical device has a purpose and a service life-span. While we may extend their operations with maintenance and care, none of them are designed to last or work forever. When electricity is involved, failures can present electrical hazards that could be avoided with periodic inspections.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Outdoor outlets or those in potentially damp locations like kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms often include GFCI features. They are designed to sense abnormal current flows, breaking the circuit to prevent potential electric shocks from 
devices plugged into the outlets.
The average GFCI outlet is designed to last about 10 years, but in areas prone to electrical storms or power surges, they can wear out in five years or less. Check them frequently by pressing the red test button. Make sure you hit the black reset button when you are done. Contact a licensed electrician to replace any failing GFCI outlets.
Loose or Damaged Outlets or Switches
Unstable electrical outlets or wall switches with signs of heat damage or discoloration can offer early warnings of potential shock or electrical fire hazards. Loose connections can allow electrical current arcing. If you see these warning signs, it may be time to contact an electrician.
Surge Protectors
Power strips with surge protectors can help safeguard expensive equipment like televisions, home entertainment systems, and computer components from power spikes. Voltage spikes are measured in joules, and surge protectors are rated for the number of joules they can effectively absorb. That means if your surge protector is rated at 1,000 joules, it should be replaced when it hits or passes that limit. When the limit is reached, protection stops, and you’re left with a basic power strip.
Some surge protectors include indicator lights that flicker to warn you when they’ve stopped working as designed, but many do not. If your electrical system takes a major hit, or if you don’t remember when you bought your surge protector, replacement may be the best option.
Extension Cords
If you use extension cords regularly to connect devices and equipment to your wall outlets, you may live in an under-wired home. With a growing number of electrical devices connecting your family to the electricity, you receive from Choptank Electric Cooperative, having enough outlets in just the right spots can be challenging. Remember, extension cords are designed for temporary, occasional, or periodic use.
If an extension cord gets noticeably warm when in use, it could be undersized for the intended use. If it shows any signs of frayed, cracked, or heat-damaged insulation, it should be replaced. If the grounding prong is missing, crimped, or loose, a grounded cord will not provide the protection designed into its performance. And always make sure that extension cords used in outdoor or potentially damp locations are rated for exterior use.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 51,000 electrical fires are reported each year in the United States, causing more than $1.3 billion in annual property damage.
Electricity is a necessity for modern living, and Choptank Electric Cooperative is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to all of our members. We hope you’ll keep these electrical safety tips in mind so that you can note any potential hazards before damage occurs.