Electrical Safety

Safely Powering Your Life Every Day

The electricity that powers our lives has become so commonplace that people sometimes forget the importance of using it safely. But no one makes electrical safety more of a priority than your local Touchstone Energy cooperative. They’re the experts who practice it and rely on it every day. Tap into their knowledge with these tools and tips to reduce preventable accidents and help keep every co-op member safe in and around their homes.

Home Electrical Safety Checklist

Use the interactive Electrical Safety Checklist to make sure your home is as safe as possible.

Click any room below to get started.

Electrical Safety House diagram Garage Bedroom Bathroom Kitchen Family Room Basement

Garage

  1. All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed or damaged in any way - and are never used on a permanent basis.

  2. Appliance cords are unplugged when not in use.

  3. All appliances are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.

  4. Any garage-stored appliances, like refrigerators and freezers, have dedicated 20 amp appliance circuits.

  5. All storage boxes are placed away from wiring and plugs.

Bedroom

  1. All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order, and are placed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the house.

  2. All light fixtures throughout the home are using bulbs not exceeding the fixture's maximum wattage.

  3. No electrical cords are resting under rugs or furniture.

  4. Electronic devices such as phone chargers are unplugged when not in use.

  5. Window unit air conditioners are plugged in on their own dedicated circuit.

Bathroom

  1. All electrical appliances are used away from the sink, tub, toilet and/or shower.

  2. All appliance cords are unplugged when not in use.

  3. All appliances are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.

  4. All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.

  5. All lighting in your shower area is vapor-tight.

Kitchen

  1. Back of refrigerator has room for air circulation and its coils are free of dirt and buildup.

  2. All electrical appliances are placed and used away from the sink.

  3. All appliances are plugged into GFCI-protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.

  4. All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed or damaged in any way.

  5. Appliance cords are not hanging from tables or counters and are unplugged when not in use.

Family Room

  1. All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.

  2. All light switch and outlet covers are not cracked or broken.

  3. All electrical equipment (lamps, electronics, etc.) are being used without the use of extension cords.

  4. All power outlets, power strips and surge protectors are not overloaded.

  5. All electronics have room for air circulation.

Basement

  1. Circuit breaker box is labeled with the last electrical inspection, correct amperage and which rooms, outlets, and circuits they service.

  2. Standard circuit breakers have been inspected, and you've considered talking with your licensed electrician about replacing with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs).

  3. Washer and dryer do not wobble excessively while running, have room for air circulation, and dryer lint is removed after each use.

  4. Furnace has been inspected, cleaned, and has proper ventilation outside the house.

  5. Temperature on the water heater is set to 120° or less.