Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation
BEAT THE PEAK
May 2018 Volume 46 Issue 5
DO NOT OVERLOAD OUTLETS
Count how many devices in your living room need power. It likely includes a TV, DVR, Cable and/or satellite box, a game system, lamps, maybe a computer, speakers…so many things that there is probably at least one power strip is being used to get power to everything. Many older homes were just not built for all of the electrical needs that we have today, and overloaded outlets and power strips can result in fires, costly damage and the loss of life. That is why Woodruff Electric is reminding members to be careful not to overload their electrical outlets. To help ensure the safety of your home and family, make sure that you: ✓ ✓
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Do not plug more than one major appliance into an outlet at a me. If an outlet is not working, have an electrician check it out. It may be an indicator of unsafe wiring. Have a professional install more outlets on the proper circuits where they are needed. Check for loose-fi ng plugs. Replace missing or broken wall plates so wiring and components are not exposed.
Make sure there is an escape plan and that all members of the household prac ce it o en. It can be very temp ng to add another plug to an outlet or power strip, but fight the urge to find ways to plug addi onal devices into an outlet. As an alterna ve, unplug a device—or two—before plugging in a new one.