Electricity accounts over 40,000 fires each year in the U.S. In many cases, these fires are due to misuse or poor maintenance of electrical systems or equipment. Your Houston electrician can help you develop an office electrical safety policy that fits your specific needs. However, we do have some general tips for reducing the risk of electrical fires and electrocution in your workplace.
Office Safety Tips from Your Houston Electrician
You might think that electrical safety is a no-brainer, but many people actually don’t even know some of the basics. There’s no shame in educating yourself and your staff to prevent injury, property damage, or even death from unsafe electrical equipment and use. Also, consider having your Houston commercial electrician come in for an inspection to identify potentially unsafe practices and equipment.
Some of the most common office electrical safety hazards are misuse of outlets, extension cords, and power strips. If you’re ever in doubt of how to use these properly, your Houston electrician can offer expert advice.
Here are some basic office electrical safety tips:
- Don’t overload outlets or circuits
- Don’t daisy chain power strips (connect one power strip to another for the same outlet)
- Make sure cords are in good condition
- Never kink, bend, or knot electrical cords
- Never use extension cords as a permanent solution
- Use power strips and extension cords properly rated for your intended use (indoor/outdoor as well as power capacity)
- Don’t place extension cords across doorways, windows, or underneath rugs or carpets
- Never use wet electrical equipment
- Don’t handle electrical equipment with wet hands
- Unplug equipment when not in use
- Stop using equipment immediately if signs of an electrical issue (such as extreme heat, buzzing/humming noises, smoke, or sparks)
- Use electrical equipment certified by a trusted lab, like UL (Underwriter Laboratories)
These tips are simple ways to help keep your office and staff safe from many electrical hazards.
How Houston Electrical Contractors Can Help with Electrical Safety
There are many ways your Houston electrical contractors can help you improve electrical safety in your office. One simple way to keep your office safe from electrocution and electrical fire risks is to schedule regular inspections and electrical maintenance. This can help your Houston electrician detect problems early, such as overheating systems or loose components.
Also, if you find yourself reaching for extension cords or power strips frequently, that’s actually a good indicator that you need more outlets in your office. Houston electrical contractors can add outlets in your workspace and also increase electrical capacity to reduce the risk of overloading your system. We can also relocate outlets if you frequently use extension cords to run power to an appliance located just out of reach of the nearest outlet.
In addition, Your Houston commercial electrician can upgrade and retrofit electrical systems as needed for compliance and safety. If you have an aging electrical system in your building, we can help you create a plan for upgrades for enhanced safety and performance.
Need a Houston Commercial Electrician? Choose Windsor Electrical Service
Our team at Windsor Electrical Service offers comprehensive solutions for commercial electrical systems. Whether you need repairs, maintenance, or upgrades to your electrical system, we have solutions for you. As a family owned and operated business, we are dedicated to your complete satisfaction. We’ve been in the business since 1988 and are a multi-generational company built on trust and quality work. Contact us now to get a quote for your commercial electrical service needs.