Look for cracks, frays, or exposed wires on every cord and plug in the house. Replace anything worn out and avoid running cords under rugs or furniture, which can lead to overheating.
10 Essential Electrical Safety Checks Homeowners Should Do Annually
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated equipment can increase the risk of fires and electrical hazards. You don't need to be an electrician to perform some basic safety checks each year and catch small issues before they become dangerous.
1. Inspect All Power Cords and Plugs
2. Test All GFCI Outlets
Press the "test" button on outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and outdoor areas to make sure they cut power, then hit "reset." Replace any that fail.
3. Check for Warm or Hot Outlets and Switches
Outlets and switches should never feel warm, buzz, or smell like burning. If they do, turn off the power and call a licensed electrician.
4. Test Your Circuit Breakers
Open the panel and test that breakers trip and reset properly. Labeling them also makes it easier to shut off specific circuits during emergencies.
5. Examine Light Fixtures and Bulbs
Make sure bulbs match the recommended wattage, since higher wattages can cause overheating. Clean dust and debris around fixtures too.
6. Look for Signs of Rodent Damage
Rodents sometimes chew through wires in walls and crawl spaces. Inspect basements and attics for droppings or shredded insulation and call pest control if you spot activity.
7. Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Test monthly, replace batteries annually, and replace the entire unit every 7 to 10 years.
8. Inspect Outdoor Electrical Components
Check exterior outlets and fixtures for weather damage or corrosion, make sure outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected, and bury landscape lighting wires securely.
9. Check for Overloaded Outlets
Spread devices across multiple circuits instead of daisy-chaining extension cords, and consider outlets with built-in USB ports or smart surge protectors.
10. Schedule a Professional Inspection
A licensed electrician can spot hidden issues and test the whole system against current safety standards.
Staying proactive and addressing small problems early protects both your property and your loved ones.
Got a handy tip of your own?
Reply and let us know, we love hearing your tips.
This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →