It’s fairly common for kids to be curious, and this behavior allows them to discover things around them. Unfortunately, this may also lead to accidents and injuries, especially when they don’t know the real dangers in their surroundings. This is the reason why teaching them about children electrical safety that is one of the priorities that any adult should do.

Facts and Figures on Electrical Safety

Electrocution is a nasty accident that you don’t want children to get involved with. Here are some alarming facts about electricity-related accidents:

•       According to the National Safety Council, electricity is the sixth most common cause of work-related injuries in the U.S.
•       Electricity leads to at least 140,000 fires annually, which consequently burns down $1.6 billion worth of property.
•       Based on data from Statistic Brain, more than 2,500 children experience electrical shock from wall outlets every year.

How To Teach Kids About Electrical Safety

You can do a lot on your own to make sure that your child’s room is safe, but teaching them about electrical safety can do even more to protect them. Consider some of these steps and concepts when walking your child through the ins and outs of electrical safety.

Explain how electricity travels from source to point of use

When they’re old enough to understand, educate kids on how electricity is carried from the power company to the wall outlets at home. This tip may require you to do a little research, but this can definitely save kids from electrical shock.

Tell them what things can conduct electricity

Letting them know the things that allow electrical current to travel will give them clues on what not to touch whenever there’s electricity near. Items such as metals and tap water conduct electricity, while rubber and hard plastic are perfect insulators.

Unplug appliances when not in use

Although plugged appliances may seem innocent, this may increase the risk of potential short circuits or power overload. Teach your kids to turn off electrical devices that are not in use, and unplug them if they’re not going to be used for a long period of time.

Be firm in dos and don’ts

Instilling discipline at an early age gives direction to children. With that, make sure to tell them not to poke their fingers into wall outlets, or stick anything in those areas. Advise them to always have their hands dry before handling electrical appliances.

Conclusion on children electrical safety

You can never be too careful in terms of protecting children from the risks of electrocution. By teaching them about electrical safety at an early age, you can help them become more alert and watchful. When it comes to using electrical appliances and power lines, they will be knowledgeable.You can also work to make your home safer for your children. Again, children electrical safety is a priority.

Reach out to Wire Craft and we’ll send one of our electricians to inspect your home. This will ensure everything is safe and in working order for your whole family.

Electrical Safety in Your Child’s Room or Nursery

Every parent naturally wants their children to enjoy the best life imaginable. This kind of care and attention range from grand plans to the smallest of details. Inside the home, kids need to be protected from dangerous things that may affect their health in general. One of the most important precautions that parents need to learn is electrical safety for the child’s room or nursery.

What Dangers are their for Children in Your Home?

No matter how protective we are of our children, a few seconds can already expose your kids to a lot of dangers, especially in terms of electricity. Here are some of the potential reasons of electrocution in children:

1. Exposure to electrical sockets

Most kids are curious, and discovering an electrical socket may lead them to touch and play with it. It’s one of the leading causes of electrocution in children at home.

2. Exposed electrical wires

A lot of children want to play with everything they can get their hands on, and this may include electrical wires that they can reach. It’s possible for some kid to either yank out the wires, or take a bite on the chewy wire insulators.

3. Electrical appliances within reach

Whether it’s a lighting fixture or a music player, kids may be curious enough to reach for these home items and tinker with them. If these things are plugged in, there might be a possibility for the child to get an electric shock.

4. Static electricity

Most kids’ bedrooms and nurseries have carpet floors, which may build up static electricity over time. This may cause a static electricity discharge that could jolt your child.

How To Improve Electrical Safety in the Kid’s Room

Here are some tips to keep your child’s room safe from electricity-related problems:

1. Cover electrical sockets

If removing the sockets is not an option, make sure to cover them. This will prevent your children from poking their fingers into the sockets.

2. Keep wires and electrical items out of reach.

Check the room for wires that are easy to reach and find a way to place them in a higher position. The same tip also goes for electrical home items such as lamps and the TV.

3. Arrange for proper grounding of static electricity.

One good strategy is to install electro-static dissipative flooring on your child’s room, and direct the current to a grounding point. This should prevent electrostatic discharge to your kids as they stay in their room.

Prevention is always better than cure, and this is especially true when it comes to electrical safety. Make sure that your child’s room is an absolutely safe place for them to enjoy. Need some help getting your home ready for your young kids?

Wire Craft can help! Reach out to us today and we’ll see how our team of electricians can best help make your home safe and childproof.

Just like how meter rates typically rise in the winter from people using their heat, AC/fans can take a toll on your electricity bill as well. However, there are steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient in these high usage months. Consider some of these creative ways to keep your house cool and your energy usage low.

Use Fans and A/C Sparingly

Most people know that running their fans or A/C throughout the day is going to cause their bill to speak, but when you’re in the middle of a heatwave it’s easy to push those thoughts to the side and stay cool. That’s understandable and if you have the option to lower the heat, why wouldn’t you just turn the fan on? What it really comes down to is deciding when you’re going to use your cooling systems.

It’s tempting to leave a fan on in the other room so it’s nice and comfortable when you walk in later, but that’s money coming out of your wallet every second. There’s a mild inconvenience waiting for the temperature to drop after you turn it on, but saving your A/C time to only when you’re in the room will benefit you in the long run.

Mind Your Windows

People will often open their windows during the day in the summer months to let a breeze in and naturally cool off the house. This comes with really good intentions, maybe even with the mindset to lower your electricity bill, but it actually can have the inverse effect. Keeping your windows shut during the day will actually help keep out and maintain the temperature in your home. If things cool off at night, you can go ahead and open the windows then and you’ll definitely get the benefit of the breeze without inadvertently raising the heat. Also consider investing in drapes and blinds. By keeping your windows covered, you can block sunlight from entering your home and making you boil.

Create Less Heat Yourself

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.” In the summer months, you might want to create your own motto: “If you can’t stand any more heat, limit your time in the kitchen.” Summer heat means you have to change up your own routine to make sure you’re not contributing to adding more heat. Obviously you have to cook sometime, but try and use less time with the oven. Maybe it’s a great time to try whipping up a fresh summer salad or wraps – something that won’t mean turning the oven on.

Dryers can also raise the temperature in your homes. Instead, make the summer weather work in your favor and hang dry your clothes and wash your clothes in cold water. Even when it’s hot out, a warm shower is often preferable to a cold one. There’s no need to force yourself into an icy shower; just change up your routine and take showers at night instead when it won’t heat up your home.

Upgrading Appliances to Improve Electrical Use for Summer

For a long term solution, maybe it’s time to upgrade your home appliances. We’ve extolled the virtues of Energy Star appliances before and how they can help lower your bill. It’s important to note that you won’t likely reap the benefits right away – it takes a while before the savings outweighs the upfront cost of buying a new dishwasher. But this is a step to preparing for those future summer months and other year round savings you want to take advantage of.

Need some help getting your home read to beat the heat? Wire Craft can help. Reach out to us today and we’ll have one of our electricians help you walk through your home and find ways to make your home more energy efficient.

Your exterior outlets always come in handy. You can plug in all of your electrical yard equipment to get some yard work done more effectively.  Plug in your stereo for the BBQ so that everyone can listen to the big game or dance to the music. There are so many benefits to being able to plug things in outside, but often, our exterior outlets get overlooked when it comes time to maintain your home on an annual basis. The problem with this is that problematic exterior outlets could cause electrocution or an electrical fire. Make sure you follow these tips on how you can maintain your exterior outlets, as an ounce of prevention goes a long way in keeping your home and family safe.

Tips on How You Can Maintain Your Exterior Outlets

Inspection

One of the first things that you need to do to keep your exterior outlets in good working shape is to inspect them regularly. You want to make sure that the cover doesn’t show any wear or tear, and that the outlet is protected from the elements safely. Check that there are no exposed wires showing.  Also, you want to look for any gaps that have opened between the outlet and the wall. You’ll want to make sure that if you do find any holes or cracks that they are repaired if possible or replaced completely.

Often, it’s a good idea to have a professional come out to handle these repairs or replacements whether they are in your home or business.  They can better determine what the best fix is for the problem, and ensure that your wiring is up to the housing codes.

Damaged or Incorrectly Installed Outlets

Some of the biggest problems that result in electrical accidents are outlets that are either damaged from use or are incorrectly installed.  As soon as you notice a problem with your exterior outlet, it needs to be replaced. That means any cracked or chipped corners should be replaced right away. Outlets that can be jiggled or plugs that are loose when plugged into the outlet can also show that there is some type of damage here that needs to be replaced.

Updating Your Outlets

You may find during your inspection that while your exterior outlets don’t look damaged, but they may be outdated. Updating your outlets is a great idea. This is the perfect time to get more up-to-date wiring installed. One sign that you need new outlets is if you still have two-pronged outlets as these older outlets should be replaced with three-pronged outlets. Three-pronged outlets are grounded outlets that work better for many electrical appliances.

Calling in the professionals when updating your exterior outlets is another good idea because of the grounding wire. You may find that there isn’t a grounding wire in your outlet to be used with your three-pronged outlet. Take note that this needs to be added before installing these types of outlets.

In addition to updating to a three-prong outlet, there’s also the option to use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets. This is a safety feature that works to prevent electrocutions.  It works in that the outlet will stop the flow of electricity if it detects a ground fault.

Using Plugs Safely

You will also want to make sure that you’re using your exterior outlets safely. You don’t want to use them in inclement weather as water and electricity don’t mix.  Make sure also that you never touch the outlet with wet hands. There’s a good chance that even with updated plugs you may be electrocuted. Water acts as a conductor and is dangerous to have around your outlet.

You’ll also want to make sure that you plug in the electrical plug in securely, and when you’re ready to unplug it, don’t pull it. This can cause damage to your outlet or your electrical plug. This can cause wires to break and plugs to be bent on your favorite appliances, but there can also be potential damage inside of the outlet where you can’t see it.

Children and Exterior Outlets

Did you spent lots of time putting plastic plugs to keep your young children from playing with your interior outlets? But what about your exterior outlets? You’ll want to make sure that your children don’t have access to these outlets. As they get older, you teach them to only use a outlet under the supervision of an adult.

Problems With Your Exterior Outlets?

Are you having problems with your exterior outlets?  Wire Craft Electric can help. Our Seattle-based electricians can remove your exterior outlet wiring worries by repairing, replacing, or even updating your current exterior outlets. Need some exterior outlets installed?

Right now is the perfect time to have us come out to handle your exterior outlet needs. Get your home ready for the coming summer. Spend your days outside enjoying your backyard without worrying about the safety of your outlets.

Contact us today to set up your appointment for your exterior outlets.

With the trend of DIY home improvements and the reality TV shows that glamorize it, house-flipping is emerging as a popular option for homeowners and hobbyists alike. And what’s not to love? The idea of taking a run-down fixer-upper and turning it into your dream home is an alluring Cinderella story. However, it’s important to note that there are also some major risks involved that you’ll need to be mindful of – particularly in terms of a home’s electrical setup.

We’re not just talking about electrical fires either, but electrocutions as well. There are 30,000 non-lethal home electrocution incidents reported each year. If you’re living in an older home, that number dramatically increases. This doesn’t mean you should avoid buying an aging house or forgo your house flipping hobby, but there are some key electrical issues you’ll want to be aware of to protect your home and yourself.

From the time we brew our first cup of coffee, to the time we kiss our kids goodnight and turn on the nightlight, our daily routines would look much different without the luxury of electricity. We’ve compiled some tips, tricks, and tools for teaching kids about electrical safety. 

It’s Never Too Early To Teach Electrical Safety

Kids love to explore and discover new things, so it’s never too early to teach your kids about electrical safety. Their natural curiosity may lead them to an electrical outlet down on their level, the whirring motor of a washing machine, or the bright picture on the television. It is important to connect with kids on their level, to get the conversation started.

Activity Pages

Activity or coloring pages are great for young kids who love hands-on projects. Word searches, mazes, and an age appropriate safety quiz add to the fun of learning something new, and get the conversation started.

Interactive Media

Websites and videos are great ways for kids to learn. Your local utility company may have a web portal designed specifically for kids to learn about electrical safety. Videos about electrical safety can be fun. These videos show other kids learning, or use animated characters to illustrate an important point.

Nothing takes the place of hands-on learning, but employing a few strategies to get your kids talking about electrical safety in your own home is a great place to start.

Hands-On Lessons

Children learn best when you engage all of their senses. Start a lesson about electrical safety with a family meeting. The family meeting lets your kids know the seriousness of the discussion. In a “family meeting”, everyone sits down at the dining room table or in the living room, together. There are no distractions allowed. This means everyone puts down their phones and talks to each other face to face to ensure there is engagement from the whole family, the whole time.

Explaining Electricity

Explain to your children what electricity is and how it works. Point out a power cord, the metal plugs on the end, and why a wire is made of rubber insulation. Consider buying an inexpensive cord you can cut into to show kids the inside of the cord – many kids love the hands-on experience of touching and feeling to really absorb this new information.

Once the wonderment abates, explain that the insides of the power cords must stay inside – electricity can hurt you if you touch it! Talk about how electricity travels from an electrical outlet and into the power cord. You could even shut off all of the lights in the room to demonstrate the tiny blue spark you might see as you plug and unplug a power cord. Kids would love to witness that firsthand!

Another important aspect of electrical safety is what to do in an emergency. Now would be a good time to teach your children how to call 911 in case of a medical emergency or fire.

Explaining Safety

Next, you must explain safety concerns. Show your kids the circuit breaker, and flip one of the switches to show them that the circuit breaker turns off electricity to an entire room. Walk outside and point out power lines, and your home’s electrical meter. Show the kids how a plastic safety plug prevents small children from putting fingers into electrical outlets. Explain why we avoid getting any water anywhere near wires or appliances. Writing out a brief list of “Electrical Rules” might be a great way to summarize all of the ways your family stays safe when dealing with electricity.

Assess Knowledge

Once you impart your knowledge of electrical safety, ask your children questions about what you just showed them. Walk back outside and ask them what a power line is. Ask them to explain what an electrical meter does, and how electricity travels from far away and into your home. Show your kids the circuit breaker again and ask them to explain in their own words what the device does. Point out a power outlet, and ask your child about safety near these outlets. You can then do the same with power cords, extension cords, and surge protectors.

Helpful and Harmful

Your kids don’t need to be afraid of electricity, they just need to know enough to stay safe. Show your children how electricity powers almost everything we use in our daily routines, so they become aware. Electricity lets us light our houses at night, play on the computer, watch television, and talk on the phone. Yet this important tool also comes with safety considerations and demands responsible usage.

At the end of the lesson, use positive reinforcement to make it stick. Kids love rewards. Take your family out to your favorite restaurant when you’re done, go see a movie together, or go for a walk in your favorite park. Post the activity or coloring pages on the refrigerator to proudly display what was learned that day.

Life is one big teachable moment. Make sure you teach your kids about electrical safety as soon as you can, because this seemingly minor lesson could someday save a life or prevent an accident from happening.

If you want to assure you and your kid’s safety when it comes on electrical issues, we can help you. Contact us now.

If the lights come on when you flip the switch, the refrigerator keeps food cold. If you’re able to watch your favorite shows on TV, that means that your electricity is working perfectly, right? Not necessarily. There are some not-so-obvious issues that could lead to potential electrical fires in your house. Here are four tips and tools you can employ to be sure that you’re actively preventing electrical fires at home.

1. Update home wiring older than 30 years

Faulty wiring is the leading cause of electrical fires. The older your house is, the greater the chance your wiring is outdated or unsafe. You not be sure that your wiring is up to code. It’s also possible that the wire insulation has deteriorated over time. It is well worth your investment to have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s wiring, especially if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• Breakers that trip frequently
• Flickering lights
• Warm, discolored, or sparking outlets
• Two-pronged, ungrounded outlets in your home
• No GFCI outlets in areas like kitchens and bathrooms

Not only will your home be safer with updated wiring, but you may also receive a lower insurance premium as well.

2. Repair frayed electrical cords

You might think it’s ok to continue to use a charger or appliance that has a frayed electrical cord, but you put your home at risk of electrical fire by doing so. You also put yourself at risk of shock if you use a cord with exposed wires. Frayed cords can do damage to your appliances, so it can be a much cheaper option to repair damaged cords rather than continue to use them.

3. Install tamper-resistant receptacles helps preventing electrical fires

Tamper-resistant receptacles have spring-loaded shutters that close off the slots of your outlets unless a two-prong plug is inserted to cause both shutters to open. If you have children, we highly suggest that you have these receptacles installed. If your curious child inserts something like a key or hairpin into one opening of the outlet, there won’t be any contact with electricity. Not only will this protect children from shock and burns, but it’ll also prevent possible electrical fires.

4. Check your lamps

Light fixtures and light bulbs are common causes of electrical fires. Mainly, installing a light bulb that is too high of a wattage for the fixture is a major cause of fire. Placing flammable materials over a lampshade can cause a fire. Always check the wattage of light bulbs used in your fixtures and never go over the recommended amount, and keep your fixtures away from flammable materials.

Preventing electrical fires are a combination of vigilance on your part as a homeowner and finding a trusted, licensed electrician to make any repairs that are necessary. Contact the pros at Wire Craft Electric if you need an inspection or any repairs made to improve the safety of your home.

Electricity is an essential part of our lives, and using it safely is of vital importance. Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. suffer from injury and electrocution. As a result of electrical accidents and electrical fires in their homes. Preventing these injuries and fires will be easy by understanding basic electrical safety practices.

Here are seven tips for electrical safety at home.

Get to Know Your Electrical Panel for Electrical Safety

Your electrical panel is essentially a big switch with smaller switches that delivers electricity to different parts of your home. It’ll have a main breaker, which controls the entire panel, and smaller breakers that service specific rooms or appliances. If a breaker trips, you can identify it by it being in an off or nearly off position. Turn it completely off and back on to reset it. However, if it trips again right after it’s reset, that means there is potentially an electrical problem. Continuing to reset it can cause a fire, so contact an electrician to look into the issue for you.

Ground Older Appliances

A grounded appliance means that the appliance is connected to an electrical neutral, so the circuit breaker will be tripped if there is an electrical fault. This will protect you from electrical shock and injury.

Use Extension Cords Properly

Limit your use of extension cords if possible. If you need to use one, make sure it is the appropriate size for use, don’t connect cords, and don’t run it across doorways or under carpets. Instead of extension cords, consider having a qualified electrician add circuits or outlets.

Never Use Water on an Electrical Fire

Water conducts electricity, so throwing it on a fire could make the fire bigger. Use a chemical fire extinguisher instead. Make sure you always have one on hand.

Check Outlets and Switches

Wobbly switches or outlets that you should install properly. If it loose from the stud, you have to fix it. Faceplates that are warm to the touch could signify a number of electrical issues, as well. Always cut the power to outlets and switches before making any repairs or doing any investigation.

Practice Good Appliance Safety

Immediately unplug an appliance that isn’t working properly or is sparking. In addition to that, make sure to unplug appliances before cleaning or repairing. Turning off an appliance does not cut the electricity to it, only unplugging it does. If you’re using high-wattage appliances, make sure to only plug one into an outlet at a time.

Always Use A Qualified, Licensed Electrician

DIY electrical work can be dangerous and it is the best practice to contact a qualified and licensed electrician. They will help you to make any repairs or changes to your home’s electricity.

Contact the professionals at WireCraft Electric if you have any questions or concerns with your home’s electricity.