Your home’s electrical system works hard behind the scenes – powering everything from your fridge
to your favorite streaming device. But like any hardworking system, it needs regular checkups to
stay safe and efficient.
At Smiley Electric, we believe preventative maintenance can save lives, prevent costly damage, and
give you peace of mind. Here are our top home electrical safety tips every homeowner in Oregon
should know.
Test Your GFCI Outlets Regularly
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required by code in kitchens, bathrooms,
garages, outdoor areas, and anywhere water and electricity might mix.
What to Do:
– Press the “TEST” button on your GFCI outlet. It should cut power.
– Then press “RESET” to restore it.
– If it doesn’t trip or reset – call an electrician. It may be faulty
Pro Tip: Test GFCIs once a month to ensure they’re functioning properly. They help prevent shock
and electrocution.
Watch for Signs of Overheating Outlets
Have you ever felt a warm outlet or smelled something burning near a plug? That’s a red flag.
Look Out For:
– Discolored or scorched outlets
– A faint burning smell
– Buzzing or sizzling sounds
– Plugs that fall out loosely or feel hot
If you notice any of these signs, stop using that outlet immediately and call Smiley Electric.
Overheating can lead to house fires.
If you notice any of these signs, stop using that outlet immediately and call Smiley Electric.
Overheating can lead to house fires.
Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
A surge protector power strip is great – but it won’t defend your entire home from lightning strikes,
power grid issues, or faulty appliances.
Why Whole-Home Surge Protection Matters:
– Protects major appliances like your fridge, HVAC system, washer/dryer, and more
– Reduces risk of data loss in smart devices and computers
– Keeps your home insurance premiums lower in some cases
We can install a whole-home surge protector directly at your electrical panel – giving your entire
system a shield against voltage spikes.
Schedule a Panel Inspection Every Few Years
Electrical panels are the heart of your home’s power system. But they age, get overloaded, and
sometimes fall behind modern safety standards.
When to Schedule an Inspection:
– You’ve added a hot tub, EV charger, or new appliances
– You live in a home over 25 years old
– Lights flicker or breakers trip frequently
A professional inspection by Smiley Electric can catch issues before they become emergencies –
and recommend upgrades if needed.
Don't Overload Power Strips
It’s tempting to plug everything into one outlet – especially in older homes with limited receptacles.
But overloading power strips is a major fire risk.
Safety Tips:
– Avoid daisy-chaining (plugging one strip into another)
– Use heavy-duty surge protectors for high-demand devices
– Unplug appliances not in use
If you find yourself relying on power strips in every room, we can install dedicated circuits or
additional outlets where you need them most.
Bonus Tip: Know Where Your Main Shutoff Is
In case of an emergency (like a flood, fire, or electrical shock), you need to know where your main
electrical shutoff is located. It’s usually in your panel – and flipping it off cuts power to the whole
house instantly.
Make sure every adult in your household knows how to find and operate it
Stay Safe with Smiley Electric
Preventative maintenance doesn’t just protect your home – it protects your loved ones. From outlet
upgrades to panel inspections and whole-home surge protection, Smiley Electric is here to help you
keep your home safe, up to code, and worry-free.