⚡ Electrical Safety Tips for Pittsburgh Homeowners: How to Prevent Hazards Before They Start

Living in Western Pennsylvania, many homes—especially older ones—come with electrical quirks and outdated systems that can pose serious risks. At Keystone Castle Inspections, we frequently find common safety issues in homes across Allegheny, Butler, and surrounding counties. From ungrounded outlets to overloaded circuits, these aren’t just inspection observations—they’re potential hazards.

The good news? Many electrical issues are preventable with routine maintenance and awareness. Below is a helpful article from InterNACHI® packed with practical tips every homeowner should know.

🧰 InterNACHI® Article: Electrical Safety

(This article is republished with permission from InterNACHI.)

Electricity is an essential part of our lives. However, it has the potential to cause great harm. Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more.

✅ General Electrical Safety Tips

• Never use anything but the proper fuse to protect a circuit.

• Find and correct overloaded circuits.

• Never place extension cords under rugs.

• Outlets near water should be GFCI-type outlets.

• Keep ladders, kites, and tools away from overhead power lines.

  
  

⚙️ Electrical Panels

• Control panels use either fuses or breakers.

• Always replace with the correct amperage fuse.

• Investigate the cause of any blown fuse or tripped breaker.

• Avoid high-wattage appliances on the same circuit.

  
  

🔌 Outlets & Extension Cords

• Use grounded (three-hole) outlets.

• Install GFCIs in wet areas.

• Avoid excessive use of extension cords.

  
  

⚠️ Electrical Appliances

• Keep appliances away from enclosed spaces and clutter.

• Replace appliances that shock, spark, or overheat.

  
  

♨️ Portable Heaters & Blankets

• Keep heating devices away from combustibles.

• Don’t use electric heaters or blankets in bathrooms.

• Avoid folding electric blankets to prevent overheating.

  
  

👶 Child Safety

• Use safety plugs in outlets.

• Teach children not to play with cords or outlets.

• Keep electrical panels locked.

  
  

💧 Water and Electricity

• Never use electrical items with wet hands or near water.

• Use GFCIs in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

  
  

🐀 Rodent Hazards

• Rodents can chew through wiring—inspect for damage regularly.

  
  

🌳 Outdoor Dangers

• Be aware of overhead lines when working outside.

• Never dig near underground wires without knowing what’s below.

• Stay away from downed power lines—call the utility company immediately.

  
  

🏠 Local Insight from Keystone Castle Inspections

In Pittsburgh’s older neighborhoods, it’s common to find:

• Cloth-wrapped wiring

• Two-prong outlets without grounding

• Overloaded subpanels in basements

• Lack of GFCIs in bathrooms and kitchens

  
  

These are red flags in any inspection—and they’re code violations or fire risks that should be corrected ASAP.

📅 Schedule an Inspection & Protect Your Home

Whether you're buying a home, selling, or just want peace of mind, we’ll identify any electrical hazards and help keep your family safe.

👉 Ready to schedule your electrical safety inspection? Book online today or call us at 412-204-6149

🔗 Original Article Source:

“Electrical Safety” courtesy of InterNACHI®, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.