Electrical Outlet Safety

Never overload an outlet with more appliances than it is designed to hold. One spark could start a very serious fire. Be sure to use a safe power-strip with surge protection instead, or unplug appliances when they are not being used. Also, avoid using appliances with damaged cords. Building codes require homes to be built with a ground fault interrupter (GFI) in each outlet located near a water source (kitchen sink, bathroom basin or bathtub). Older homes may not have these, but homeowners can have GFIs installed or even install them themselves.