Electrical safety at home

Keep your home safe by following home electricity safety tips for outlets, cords, plugins, decorative lights and more. And don't forget, water and electricity don't mix.

Someone safely unplugging string lights from an outlet by pulling the plug.

Home electrical safety - indoors and out

Easy steps can help you keep your home, family and neighbourhood safe around electricity. Learn how to identify electrical hazards and avoid risks - from every day appliance use to installing decorative lights outside.

On this page

Start with the basics of safe power use
Installing decorative lights
Avoid overloading outlets
GFCI outlets: why they matter
More electrical home safety tips

Start with the basics of safe power use

Don’t plug too many devices into one outlet. This can cause overheating and fires.
Keep cords out from under rugs. They can get damaged or cause someone to trip.
Unplug safely. Always pull the plug, not the cord. This can increase risk of fire or shock.
Only plugs go in outlets. Never stick anything else into them.
Keep electrical items away from water, showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix.
Turn off the breaker before any work with or near electrical wiring. This helps prevent shocks.
Call a certified electrician for repairs or installations. Don’t try to fix it yourself.

Someone holding outdoor string lights for inspection

Installing decorative lights

Whether you’re installing new LED lights or putting on a big light show outside, keep your indoor or outdoor decorative lights bright, beautiful and safe.

Do:

Use the right lights. Check if they’re rated for indoor or outdoor use.
Inspect your string lights and cords before you plug in.
Replace any broken lights.
Look up and watch for power lines before using a ladder or hanging lights outside.
Use clips or zip ties to secure lights safely.
Use timers or programmable lights. This helps ensure they’re turned off.
Test outdoor GFCI outlets to help protect against shock in wet conditions.

Don't

Don't use string lights or cords with signs of damage such as frays, cracks, and loose wires.
Don't put lights near flammable items. Dry leaves and paper decorations can catch fire.
Don’t run cords through windows or doors. This can pinch and break the wires.
Don't overload outlets. Too many string lights can overheat the circuit.
Don't use staples or nails that can damage cords.

Avoid overloading outlets

Overloaded outlets are a common cause of electrical fires. Here’s how to stay safe:

Don’t plug one power strip into another or connect several extension cords together (daisy-chaining). Only use one strip per outlet.
Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances into shared outlets. Space heaters, microwaves, and hair dryers need dedicated circuits.
Watch for warning signs: Flickering lights, warm or discoloured outlets, burning smells or tripped breakers.
Use surge protectors. Especially during storm season or when plugging in sensitive electronics.

GFCI outlets: why they matter

Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas are high-moisture zones. Since water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are essential.

What do GFCI outlets do? GFCIs have a safety feature that turns off power instantly if they detect a current imbalance, helping prevent electric shock. An imbalance can happen when an appliance falls into water, or water enters the outlet.

Where should GFCI outlets be installed? Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor outlets.

How do I test GFCI outlets? Press the “Test” button to cut power, then “Reset” to restore it. If it doesn’t respond, it may need replacing.

More electrical home safety tips

Some additional ways to help you and your family stay safe at home.

Use safety covers on unused outlets. This prevents kids from playing with them.

Unplug appliances when not in use. Also unplug before cleaning.

Use safe space heaters. Look for products with the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) mark to ensure they meet safety standards. Keep them 3 feet from anything flammable, and turn them off when sleeping or leaving the area you’re heating.

Don’t use wet electrical equipment or wiring. If something gets wet, have a professional check before turning it on or plugging it in.

Inspect outdoor outlets regularly. Moisture and weather can cause damage over time.

outdoor_garden

Outdoor safety at home

Discover the potential hazards around your home. From overhead power lines and underground lines and cables, keep yourself and your family safe outside.

park

Tree trimming and maintenance

Are your trees getting too close to power lines? Learn how to trim them safely and how we can help.

yard

Safe landscaping

Learn the proper distance to keep when landscaping near underground or overhead utilities.

Disclaimer

This webpage provides information only. Any reliance placed on this information is strictly at your own risk. EPCOR does not assume any responsibility or liability for any action, loss or damage that arises out of, or is in connection with the information contained in this webpage.