sa f e t y ac t i v i t y
Home Electrical Safety Inspection
You can prevent electrical injuries by being safe around electricity sources in your home. Keep you and your family safe!
Complete the Home Electrical Safety Inspection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE: Complete this activity at home with an adult. Do not touch any dangerous objects
that may be an electrical hazard.
Every Room
LIGHTS
Check all lights in your home, including lamps, does the bulb in place have the appropriate wattage for the fixture?
 YES

NO: Replace the bulb with the correct wattage. If no wattage is recommended, use 60 watts or less for a regular socket, 25 watts for miniature sockets. A bulb that is a higher wattage than recommended may overheat, becoming a fire hazard.
ELECTRICAL CORDS
Is any cord frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged?
 YES: Replace all damaged cords. Damaged cords may have exposed live wires that
 NO
can be electric shock and fire hazards.
Is any cord placed where it might be stepped on?
 YES: Move it out of the way. Cords are tripping hazards, and may be damaged when walked
 NO
on which could then cause an electric shock or fire hazard.
Is any piece of furniture or rug resting on an electrical cord?
 YES: Move cords or furniture. Weight on a cord can cause damage resulting in a shock or fire hazard.
 NO
Is a cord tightly wrapped around an object?
 YES: Unwrap cords. Wrapped cords trap heat, leading to melting or weakening of the material
 NO
used on the cord as insulation to prevent injury.
Are cords attached to anything (wall, baseboard, etc) with nails or wire staples?
 NO
 YES: Ask an electrician to remove nails or staples. Replace the cord if damaged.
sa f e t y ac t i v i t y
Do all extensions cords have safety covers on unused outlets?
 YES

NO: Insert safety covers. You can be shocked or seriously burned through contact
with uncovered outlets.
Is an extension cord overloaded with cords?
 YES: An overloaded cord can become overheated which is a fire hazard. Be sure to follow the  NO
instructions that come with the extension cord regarding how much current it can properly handle.
Are you using any extension cord as a permanent electrical solution?
 YES: Have new outlets installed or move appliances to an outlet. Installed wiring is designed to
 NO
carry more current than extension cords, preventing electric shock and fire.
ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT
Can air circulate freely around all entertainment equipment?
 YES

NO: Move equipment. Blocking air flow can cause overheating which is a fire hazard.
Is all entertainment equipment protected from water, including spills?
 YES

NO: Move equipment. Electricity and water can lead to serious shock.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES
Are all outlets and switches working properly?
 YES

NO: Contact an electrician to inspect. Improperly working outlets may indicate unsafe electrical wiring.
Do all electrical plugs fit snugly into all outlets?
 YES

NO: Have an electrician replace the outlet. Loose-fitting plugs may overheat which is an
electric shock and fire hazard.
Do faceplates cover all wiring?
 YES

NO: Have an electrician properly install faceplates. Exposed wiring is a shock hazard.
Have you installed GFCI outlets in your kitchen, bathroom, unfinished basement, garage and laundry?
 YES

NO: Ask an electrician to install GFCI outlets in these locations. These outlets can protect you from
electric shock by constantly monitoring electric current. If the outlet detects a problem it will trip
the circuit and turn off the power.
sa f e t y ac t i v i t y
Have you tested GFCI outlets in your home recently?
 YES

NO: You should test them once a month:
1.
Plug a light into the outlet and turn it on.
2.
Press the test button. Did the light go out? If not, replace the GFCI.
3.
Press the reset button. Did the light come back on? If not, replace the GFCI.
Are you using appliances such as a radio or hairdryer in the bathroom?
 YES: Avoid using appliances in the bathroom, they are an unnecessary risk of electric shock.
 NO
KITCHEN
Are all counter top appliances unplugged when not in use?
 YES

NO: Unplug. Plugged in appliances are an unnecessary risk of electric shock and fire.
Are all appliance cords placed away from hot surfaces, such as stove top?
 YES

NO: Move cords. Excess heat can cause a cord to melt or burn which is a fire and
electric shock hazard.
Are any appliances located next to the sink?
 YES

NO: If at all possible, move the appliance away from the sink. Water is a conductor of electricity
and could cause electric shock.
List any other safety concerns you discovered in your home during your home electrical safety inspection.
Explain what you plan to do to remove the hazards.
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