Use the following information to check 8 areas of your home to help make it more electrically safe.
Not following these recommendations could lead to:
an electrical shock
overheating, or
a fire
At FPL, we believe that nothing is more important than your safety.
Cords
Make sure cords are out of traffic areas and that furniture is not resting on them.
In addition, make sure cords are:
in good condition
not frayed or cracked and
never nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard, or other objects.
Plugs
Plugs should:
fit securely
never be forced into an outlet if they don't, and
be the proper type
Never cut off the ground pin (the third prong) from a plug. Use a two-prong adapter instead.
Outlets
Check outlets for:
loose-fitting plugs
broken wall plates and
overloaded situations
Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Light bulbs
Check bulbs to be sure they are:
screwed in securely, and
the correct wattage for the fixture
Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended.
Circuit breakers / fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses should always be the correct size for the circuit. Never replace a fuse with
anything but the correct size fuse. If you don't know the correct size fuse, have an electrician identify
and label the sizes to be used.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs (or GFIs) should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test
GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Water and electricity don't mix
Don't place any electrical appliance near water, such as a sink or bathtub. Appliances that are used
near water should be unplugged when not in use. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, unplug
it and don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repairperson.
Entertainment / computer equipment
Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage
in wiring, plugs, cords and connectors.
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