Electrical Safety Checklist

Overhead power lines have some strict guidelines for height clearances over streets, sidewalks, alleys, roads, and driveways. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates acceptable clearances for power lines to keep the public safe from coming into contact with them.

Spring and summer storms spawn thunderstorms which produce lightning. Lightning can cause severe damage to a home without the addition of lightning rods to funnel the full force of its destructive powers to ground. Find out why lightning rods can save your home.

Electrical wiring defects and connection problems cause electrical fires. Be sure to check for loose connections in junction boxes, on switches and outlets, and also the connection points in your electrical circuit breaker panel. Another potential problem area is lighting fixtures. Light bulbs too large for light socket capacities, loose connections, and defective fixtures and cords can all cause problems. Sizzling and/or popping sounds in and around electrical devices are good signs that something is wrong. If you hear such a sound, turn that circuit off immediately and call a qualified, licensed electrician to find the problem. Check the electrical wire size to determine if it is sized appropriately for the circuit breaker.