The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. It is both a functional space and a gathering space. Whether you love cooking or just gather to reheat takeout, the kitchen is frequently used. This is why it is so important that homeowners practice proper safety when they use it.From outlets to appliances, there are many sources of electricity in your kitchen. Each of these have to be treated carefully to avoid any safety hazards. To learn more about how to safely use your electric kitchen appliances and equipment, continue reading.If you are ready to schedule an appointment with a licensed electrician, give our team at Randy’s Electric in St. Paul, Minnesota, a call at 612-470-0914.Let’s dive into the ways to keep your kitchen safe.
- Be wary of outletsIf you are using multiple appliances at once, make sure that only one appliance is plugged into each outlet. For example, if you are using both your microwave and a toaster oven at the same time, don’t plug your toaster oven into the same outlet that the microwave is plugged into. This precaution will prevent overloads or shortages from occurring. If you feel that you don’t have enough outlets in your kitchen, you can always install more. Give your electrician a call to find out how.
- Watch your cordsIf you have multiple things plugged into your kitchen outlets, watch for the cords. It's easy enough to accidentally place a spatula on a hot stove; you don’t want the same thing happening to your electrical cords. Try to place your appliances close to the outlets they are plugged into to avoid any safety hazards. You can also use a zip tie to roll up a portion of the cord if it is too long.
- Check for qualityEvery once in a while you should check cords, wires, switches & outlets, and other electrical features for any damage. Keep an eye out for frays or tears in the rubber coating especially. You should also look out for any burnt edges on outlets. Be sure to replace the damaged cord, outlet or switch. Give your electrician a call if you need help doing this.
- Learn about electrical firesIt’s always important to know what to do in the case of an electrical fire. While your first thought may be to pour water on it, do not do this. Electrical fires should be put out by smothering it with a heavy blanket or other fabric. If you have a fire extinguisher, check to see if it is rated for electrical fires. Not all are, so it is important to double check yours. If it isn’t, you can always purchase one.
- Test your outletsYou should test your outlets every month to ensure everything is in working order. All you have to do is plug a small appliance into it and see if it turns on. This is especially important for your GFCI outlets. Testing outlets lowers the risk of an electrical shock and lets you know if something needs to be repaired.
- Use extension cords sparinglyNot all kitchen appliances are meant to be plugged into extension cords. In fact, if you read the instructions and safety warnings on the boxes, you’ll find that most appliances are not supposed to be plugged into extension cords. While using extension cords may be okay for one time or temporary use, always plug your appliances into grounded outlets. Appliances can cause shortages and overloads in extension cords.
- Be careful of waterIt is commonly known that appliances should not be used near water. There is a great risk of appliances falling into water or becoming wet, which can cause an electric shock. If you are washing dishes or completing a different task that uses water, be wary of any outlets and appliances around you. If you do get an outlet wet, carefully pat it dry and wait for an hour before you use it again.
- Unplug appliancesYou should always unplug appliances when you are leaving your home. While you don’t have to unplug built-in appliances such as your microwave, unplugging smaller appliances will reduce the risk of an electrical fire. Appliances such as blenders, toaster ovens, small microwaves and rice cookers are the kinds that should be unplugged. The last thing that you would want is to come home to a blazing fire in your kitchen.
- Keep your kitchen cleanWhile this may not seem like it should matter all that much, keeping your kitchen clean will help to reduce risk of electrical home safety issues. Sometimes, crumbs and debris can get caught in outlets and cause fires. It's important to wipe down your counter after you cook. It is also highly recommended to pull out your refrigerator and other appliances to sweep out from behind them. This will keep your electrical systems free of debris.
- Schedule a kitchen electrical evaluationIt’s always a good idea to schedule an electrical evaluation in your home at least once a year. During this evaluation, you can request that the electrician checks your kitchen along with the other rooms in your room. The electrician will note any possible safety hazards and recommendations on how to fix them.Â
When scheduling an electrical inspection, it’s important to choose an electrician that you trust. This way you know that you are getting only the best and most reliable service possible.Â
Scheduling a Reliable Electrician St Paul, MN
For an excellent St. Paul electrician, you need Randy’s Electric. Our team of trained and licensed electricians are ready to help you. We provide home wiring, home safety services and other electrical services. From meter socket installations to smart home technology, we can complete any electrical job that you need. At Randy’s Electric, we provide high quality service with a dedication to customer satisfaction.For an electrician that you can trust, choose Randy’s Electric. To schedule an appointment with one of our St. Paul electricians, give us a call at 612-470-0914 or contact us online.Â
