Ottawa Handyman: Bathroom Electrical Safety Tips

Water and electricity can be a lethal pair, especially in the bathroom. The close proximity of the sink and tub to electrical outlets creates the opportunity for shock, electrocution or fire. Ensuring electrical safety and safeguards in the bathroom is essential to protect yourself and your family.

If you feel that your bathroom is unsafe you must take every precaution, including electrical repair services if necessary, to correct your issues. Read on for electrical safety tips and tricks for the bathrooms in your home.

Bathroom Safety Tips

Safety in your bathroom, especially regarding electrical work, is a primary concern for every homeowner.

Water is a great conductor of electricity. Wet hands and bodies, as well as wet floors and surfaces, create an environment where electricity can easily flow from where it belongs (in your wires and circuits) to where it does not belong (your skin and body). It also creates conditions that can cause a fire to start.

Electrical safety in the bathroom is focused on keeping water and electricity separate from each other.  Here are some things to look for as you check to be sure your bathroom is safe:

1. First and foremost, all bathroom outlets should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters. GFCIs sense when an electric current is improperly grounding and will automatically shut down the power. This safety feature prevents shock and electrocution, and really is imperative for the safety of your home.

2. Check the distance between electrical sockets and your shower or tub the shower. Be sure that your measurements align with your local electrical codes. If your outlets are too close to a water source an electrician can relocate them for you.

3. Cover outlets when they aren’t in use to prevent accidental electrocution. Outlet covers sold for childproofing purposes can be effective and inexpensive. There are more decorative options available through your electrical hardware store if you prefer a more attractive solution.

4. If you notice any exposed or frayed wiring in the bathroom, you should have it repaired immediately. Faulty wiring can not only cause electrocution, but also house fires.

5. Check your bathroom for separate electric heaters. All electric heaters should be hardwired, not plugged in. An electrician can hardwire your heater if necessary.

6. Consider switching your light fixtures from freely hanging to enclosed or recessed fixtures. By keeping wiring inside the walls you lessen the chance for electricity to meet water and cause a problem.

7. Consider using motion sensor switches or fixtures in your bathroom, and eliminate traditional light switches. Wet hands touching a light switch can be a cause of shock or electrocution.

Electrical Repair Services

As you evaluate your bathroom, you may find you need the services of a professional electrician to make the necessary adjustments and repairs to keep your bathroom safe. You will certainly want to hire a qualified tradesman who knows and adheres to all safety measures and electrical code requirements.

It is unwise to attempt to make electrical repairs yourself. Improper installation of fixtures, outlets or GFCIs can be more dangerous than fixtures that are in the wrong location. When your projects involve electrical work, wise homeowners choose a reliable electrician to make repairs that will keep their families safe and increase the value of their homes.

Finding a Reliable Electrician in Ottawa

Finding a qualified electrician in Ottawa is easy with the help of Handyman Connection. The experienced professionals at Handyman Connection have assembled a team of electrical specialists that are highly trained and licensed by the ECRA. They provide excellent customer service while working effectively and efficiently to solve any issues you find in your bathroom. You can depend on them to perform quality work on every project.

If you have concerns about the safety of your bathroom, call the electrical specialists at Handyman Connection today.