Regina Home Repairs: Bathroom Electrical Safety Tips

Your bathroom is one of the few rooms where electricity and water are in close proximity. Just like your kitchen and laundry room, you should avoid a few key electrical issues to stay safe and protect your property. Review these electrical safety tips to see if it’s time to hire an electrician in Regina.

Avoid Outlets Close to Your Shower

An older home, or a home that’s been altered by someone who isn’t a licensed electrician, may have outlets that are too close to the shower. All that moisture and water splashing around can easily come in contact with the outlet itself or any device plugged into it. This can trip a breaker, damage an electrical device and even cause severe injury or death.

Ask a local electrician to review your outlet placement to see if any of them need to be moved or removed for a safe bathroom. A professional electrician can easily remove and install outlets as needed, so you don’t need to worry about going without a safe outlet in your bathroom. These electrical repair services can make a significant difference in the safety of your bathroom.

All outlets in your bathroom should be ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, outlets. These outlets are equipped with an additional layer of protection when using an electrical device or running water.

Use Recessed or Enclosed Light Fixtures

Bathroom lighting is another place where water and electricity may mix in a deadly way. If you have a light fixture that hangs down into your room or comes out from the wall, then it may be at risk of water exposure.

Most electricians recommend bathroom light fixtures that are recessed into the ceiling or completely enclosed. There are many light fixtures that are specifically designed for areas with water, but it’s still best to choose professional electrical repair services to select and install these lights.

Another option for bathroom lighting is a fixture with a pull string. Pull strings keep your hands, which could be wet, away from light switches. A light switch is designed to protect you from directly touching any electrical wires, but water splashing on a switch could conduct electricity.

Professionally installed lighting is also an essential step in bathroom safety. DIY wiring can be exposed to more moisture- or water-related issues. Some DIY projects aren’t properly secured, increasing the risk of loose wiring and other serious risks. Work with a professional electrician to avoid any of these issues.

Don’t Use Electrical Devices

Electrical outlets aren’t necessarily a hazard in your bathroom, but using electrical devices can be. Stay safe by using these devices in other rooms rather than your bathroom.

This can include your smartphone, electrical hairdryer, electric heater and other devices. Your shower, bathtub, sink and even wet floor can all be hazards as you hold a device plugged into an outlet.

Talk to an electrician about your options for safe electrical use in the bathroom. For example, an electric heater can be a safe option if it’s mounted to the wall and wired in, rather than sitting on the floor and plugged in. It’s never a good idea to plug an item into an outlet that isn’t GFCI protected, but these outlets may make it safe to use certain electrical devices in certain situations.

Hire a Professional Electrician in Regina

From a new outlet to a full bathroom electrical remodel, turn to a trusted electrician in Regina for advice and installation services. Request an estimate today to see how Handyman Connection can help keep your bathroom safe. Schedule an inspection today to learn more about bathroom safety tips from a qualified electrician in your area.