News & Updates

B&D Electric of Gainesville, FL wants to remind you that the beginning of a New Year is a great time for an electrical safety check of your home and/or business. As a general rule of thumb, B&D Electric advises homeowners to get a professional electrical safety inspection every 10 years. It is also wise to get a professional evaluation before you move into a new house, especially if it is pre-owned. As for businesses, it is ideal to have a professional safety inspection every 12 years or prior to any new lease or building purchase.

B&D Electric trained, licensed and insured electricians have the experience and knowledge to identify potential hazards, even if you don’t notice a problem or malfunction. Keeping your home or work environment safe from fire and electrocution is our number one priority and a professional electrical safety inspection is the ultimate preventative measure. Call our office in Newberry, FL today to learn more.

What YOU can do to keep your home and family safe.

1. At the beginning of summer and winter, check each room in your home for electrical safety.
2. Work through the check list below. Invest 10-20 minutes of your time now. It may save a life or prevent an accident in the future.
3. Once you have finished your inspection, record the date so you know when your last check was done and what needs to be fixed.
4. Make sure you fix the areas that you have marked with a cross as soon as you can.

Let your “Common Senses” help keep you safe: Look, Listen, Smell for Electrical Hazards.

Electrical Safety Checklist:

• Sockets and Switches

  • Are all sockets, switches and multi-boxes working properly with no damaged or broken plugs, sockets, light switches or light fittings?
  • Are all sockets and switches cool to the touch?
  • Do all electric plugs fit snugly into the sockets?
  • Are all multi-boxes placed up high, out of the reach of children?
  • Have you installed safety devices such as RCDs, shuttered sockets and recessed outlets?
  • Have you limited the number of appliances plugged into one outlet, so as not to draw too heavy a load on the circuit?
  • Do you have only one heater per outlet?

• Cords

  • Are all electric cords in good condition, with no cracking or fraying in the outer cover or any internal wires exposed?
  • Are all electric cords clear of rugs and furniture?
  • Are all extension cords used for temporary purposes only?  If not, ask an electrician to install a socket-outlet where needed.
  • Are all cords out of the way so they can’t be tripped over, damaged by furniture, or caught in any way?

• Lighting

  • Do you have the correct bulbs in your light fittings and lamps?

• Portable Electric Heaters

  • Do you follow the “heater meter rule” with all heaters at least 3 1/2 feet away from things that can burn?
  • Are all heaters in good working condition with no broken parts, funny noises or smells?
  • Have you recently maintained and cleaned your heater?

• Electric Blankets

  • Are all electric blankets in good condition with no scorch marks, kinks, exposed or damaged wiring?
  • Are your electric blankets stored flat or rolled in corrugated cardboard when not in use?
  • Have you had your electric blanket tested recently?
  • How old are your electric blankets?  (It is recommended that you replace your electric blanket after 2 or 3 years of use).