3 Ways To Stay Safe Around Electricity in the Kitchen

Being in the kitchen should be fun, as it is the location where delicious meals are prepared and enjoyed. However, many dangers lurk in the kitchen, including hazards posed by electricity. Fortunately, there are ways for people to help ensure that they stay safe while employing kitchen appliances and otherwise making use of this room. Here are three things that Kitchener electrical contractors recommend to stay safe around the electrical aspects of the kitchen.

1. Keeping Water Away From Outlets

One of the most important ways to ensure kitchen safety and electrical safety around the home is to avoid getting water and other liquids around electrical outlets. Like the bathroom, the kitchen is a room where lots of water gets used, whether it is for washing dishes, cleaning, cooking or making drinks. Because water conducts electricity, exposing outlets to water increases their currents. An increased current can lead to short circuits, electrical fires and damage to the appliances plugged into the exposed outlet.

To help reduce the likelihood that water comes into contact with a kitchen outlet, use caution when using water when cooking or cleaning. It is also a good idea to use a cover on outlets that are close to areas where residents use lots of water, such as the sink, dishwasher or stovetop. Taking these precautions helps homeowners avoid the need to contact an electrical repair service due to electrical water damage.

2. Maintaining a Clean Space

Keeping the kitchen clean is another way to help keep residents safe from the dangers of electricity. Much like how liquids can damage an outlet and its surrounding areas, crumbs and other food particles can accumulate around an outlet and pose a hazard. Dirt and dust around an outlet can lead to sparks and even fire, which can cause widespread damage to the kitchen. Dirty outlets can be especially problematic in hard-to-reach areas that often get neglected during the cleaning process, such as behind appliances or large items on counters.

It is generally easier to tackle messes as soon as they happen rather than waiting until dirt and grime dry and settle on the countertops, walls and kitchen appliances. Some ways to remember to do this include:

• Wiping down counters and other surfaces while waiting for food to bake

• Clearing the tables after meals and washing dishes right away

• Taking out the trash when it becomes full

To maintain a clean kitchen, residents can set up a schedule to clean all or part of the kitchen on a regular basis. Besides electrical safety, some other reasons to keep a clean kitchen include helping to prevent foodborne illnesses, keeping things organized and making it easier to find items, and saving time in the long run.

3. Removing Cables Near Hot Spaces

Kitchens generally contain many appliances that can reach a high temperature, including the stovetop, oven, coffee maker, crockpot and other items used in food and beverage preparation. Cords, especially long cords, can easily become too close to these hot items and cause them to melt. Melted cords expose the wiring underneath and increase the risk of starting an electrical fire. Make sure that all cords are out of the way, especially when using appliances that get hot. An electrical repair company can let homeowners know how to safely store electrical cords on unused appliances so that they maintain their integrity.

Need Kitchener Electrical Contractors?

If a home or business owner needs any electrical or other repairs, they can contact the professionals at Handyman Connection. Call us today to speak to one of our friendly customer service representatives about updating light fixtures, installing wiring, putting in lighting under the counters and more.