Keeping Your Home Safe: 10 Tips Electricians Recommend to Homeowners

26 March, 2024
Keeping your home safe: 10 tips electricians recommend to homeowners

Electricity plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives, powering everything from the smallest gadgets to the largest appliances. 

However, if not handled properly, our power options can become a significant risk, leading to hazards such as fires, electrocution, and property damage. As homeowners, making sure that our electrical systems are safe and secure needs to be a priority. 

At Hi-Lite Electric Inc., your trusted electricians in Mississauga, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain the integrity of your home. This is why we’re providing you with 10 essential safety tips for safeguarding your property all year long.

1. Regular electrical inspections

Be proactive, and don’t wait for issues to crop up. Scheduling regular inspections with a qualified and experienced electrician can help you pinpoint and correct potential safety hazards before they become more serious. 

Our team at Hi-Lite Electric Inc. offers comprehensive home electrical safety inspections to make sure that your system is up to code and is in tip-top condition.

2. Understand your electrical panel

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Familiarize yourself with the layout and functions, especially how to turn off the main power in case of an emergency. 

Make sure that the panel is easily accessible and not obstructed by furniture or any other hard-to-move items.

If you’re not sure how to go about this familiarization process, you can always look online for basic tutorials or contact your local electrician. Professionals that value home safety and education will always take the time to answer your questions.

3. Use the right wattage

Using bulbs with the right wattage for each fixture is a simple and effective way to keep your home safe. This practice prevents overheating, which is one of the most common causes of home electrical fires. 

Check each of your fixtures for the maximum recommended wattage, and make sure that you stick to it. Paying attention to this detail may seem small, but it will protect your home, and your family, in a big way.

4. Keep water and electricity apart

This probably seems like a no-brainer, but that doesn’t make it any less important to reiterate. Water conducts electricity, making it a huge hazard if the two mix. Keep electrical appliances and cords away from water sources such as sinks, bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, etc. 

Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water and electricity have any potential of coming into contact. This will offer an extra layer of protection in higher risk areas where the proximity between water and electricity is unavoidable.

5. Check cords and plugs regularly

Frayed wires, damaged plugs, and loose connections are commonplace occurrences over time. However, many people fail to recognize deterioration or don’t replace them promptly, increasing the likelihood of a fire breaking out in their homes 

Check your cords and plugs monthly for signs of wear and tear, and replace them as soon as possible if you see the signs. Avoid using these compromised parts in the meantime. 

You’ll also want to avoid overstretching cords or running them under carpets, as this can wreck your cords and increase fire risks overall.

6. Be cautious with extension cords

Extension cords should be thought of as a temporary solution—not as permanent wiring. Avoid daisy-chaining (linking) multiple cords together, as this can overload the circuit and cause overheating.

Make sure that any extension cord that you use is rated for the appliance’s power needs and is the appropriate size for what you require. This will help to prevent surges, shorted circuits, and premature deterioration of the cord itself.

7. Invest in surge protectors

Power surges can permanently damage your electrical devices and appliances. If you’re looking to avoid costly repairs and/or replacements, you’ll want to prevent this occurrence however possible. 

The easiest way to do this is by using surge protectors. These safeguard your electronics from sudden spikes in voltage, keeping them safe and helping to extend their lifespan. 

Surge protectors plug right into your household outlets, and it’s recommended that you use them whenever you’re plugging in any kind of electronic device that you want to protect.

8. Properly store flammable materials

Maybe it should go without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: keep flammable materials away from electrical appliances and outlets. Items such as paper, cloth, and some chemicals can easily ignite if they’re exposed to a heat source or spark. 

Make sure that you’re storing these materials in safe space away from potential electrical hazards.

9. Educate your household

It’s not just about educating yourself; it’s also about teaching proper electrical safety to everyone that resides within your home. Education is key to avoiding preventable accidents.

Make sure that all household members, including older children, understand the basics of electrical safety. Teach them to look for frayed cords, to keep appliances away from water sources, and what materials are flammable and should be kept away from power sources. 

In addition, it’s important to teach them what to do in case of an emergency (such as an electrical fire breaking out in your home).

10. Trust the professionals

When it comes to electrical work, it’s important to rely on the expertise of industry professionals. 

While do-it-yourself repairs can be a tempting alternative, it also comes with some serious personal and home risks. These types of projects are better left to those with plenty of experience and knowledge.

For any electrical issues, installations, or upgrades, reach out to skilled local technicians that can get the job done safely and efficiently.

Your Safety Is Our Priority

At Hi-Lite Electric Inc., we understand the importance of maintaining a safe electrical system in your home. Our team of experienced electricians in Mississauga is dedicated to providing the quality service and expert advice you need to secure your home and peace of mind. 

Remember: prevention is the best defence against electrical hazards. By following the tips above and partnering with our reliable team, you can make sure your home stays safe and comfortable for you and your loved ones.

Take Action for a Safer Home Today

Don’t wait for an accident to happen before taking action. For a thorough home electrical safety inspection or for examining any electrical services, contact us at Hi-Lite Electric Inc. today.

Our friendly team is ready to assist you in keeping your home safe and secure. Let us be your trusted electricians in Mississauga so that you can continue to feel good about the overall safety of your home.



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Riaz Jilani
Riaz Jilani
2024-06-05
I had another electrician which not giving me time and then I search on google and found Hi Lite with good reviews so I decided to try them. I send massage on their website and after 30 minutes I got call from them they booked me different time which was not suitable for me. I requested them and they change according to my convenient.electrician came on time complete the job also advised me some unseen problems also fixed perfectly and my satisfaction . First time I really impressed I recommend them they are trouble free and with good reputation
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
2024-05-10
Stove wasn't working. Stove people said it was an electrical issue. Steven came over, showed me what was wrong. Now I know more about electricity. 5/5 would electricity again.
Heather D
Heather D
2024-05-10
Excellent service. Matt came out after hours to resolve an emergency situation where an outlet in our garage caught on fire. He was here within the hour and completed the work efficiently. In addition he communicated clearly all the necessary steps needed. We will definitely be calling him back for additional assistance in the future if the need arises.
Amrik Bhogal
Amrik Bhogal
2024-04-29
Excellent service! We had a problem with some receptacles in a couple of rooms in our house. Tried the usual resetting the breakers and GFI plugs, but to no avail. Called Hi-Lite Electric based on a recommendation from a friend. Matthew from Hi-Lite come over, diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable and kept me in the loop as what he was doing. His estimate was very accurate. I would highly recommend HiLite
Roy Thompson
Roy Thompson
2024-04-29
Matthew and Steven did a fantastic job added two lights in my bedroom, prior to that their was no lights in my bedrooms. i would highly recommend them.
Izabella Hansen
Izabella Hansen
2024-04-23
Had a great experience with Matthew, a licensed electrician. He explained everything I needed thoroughly. Worked efficiently, was professional and curteous. I highly recommend this family run company.
Jo Persad
Jo Persad
2024-04-19
Excellent service. We had a problem with our house wiring and Matthew diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very polite and pleasant and informative. We would highly recommend HiLite.
James Danakas
James Danakas
2024-03-27
The service we received from Matthew and Luciano was excellent and our problem was solved in a timely matter. Great customer service! Highly recommend!
Corrado Di Rosa
Corrado Di Rosa
2024-03-26
Excellent customer experience! Matthew is always on point with his recommendations and makes sure the issue is solved. Highly recommend Hi-Lite.
Funk Roberts
Funk Roberts
2024-03-18
I recently had the pleasure of having Matt from HiLite Electrical come over to replace my smoke alarm, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the moment Matt arrived, it was clear he was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable and professional. His attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that the job was done efficiently and effectively. What truly set Matt apart was his commitment to going above and beyond. He was punctual, arriving right on time, which is a rarity these days. But more importantly, he took the time to explain the process, what the problem was, and why we couldn't get the unit from the foundation in the first place. He was also amazing to talk about in general (especially fitness, training and combat sports, relationships, and other things), and ensured everything was working perfectly before he considered his job done. I highly recommend Hi-Lite Electrical to anyone in need of electrical services. Their team, from speaking with Ang on the phone to set up the appointment (Happy Angela Day..that's an inside joke) to Matt getting it done, Hi-Lite exemplifies the kind of professionalism and expertise that is all too rare. Trust me, if you want a hassle-free, high-quality service, look no further than Hi-Lite Electrical. A big thank you to Ang and Matt for not just meeting, but exceeding my expectations! Super Happy Customer! Funk Roberts

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