Top Electrical Safety Mistakes Homeowners Make

Top Electrical Safety Mistakes Homeowners Make

Helpful Tips

Electricity makes modern life possible, but it can also be dangerous when misused or misunderstood. At Staley Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how common household mistakes can pose serious hazards — from minor shocks to major fire risks. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or just plugging in a new appliance, keeping electrical safety top-of-mind is key to protecting your home, your family, and your investment.

We’re breaking down the top electrical safety mistakes homeowners make, along with tips to avoid them. Let’s keep those volts flowing safely!

Overloading Outlets and Power Strips

It’s tempting to plug everything into one outlet — especially in older homes with fewer accessible sockets — but this habit can lead to overheating, fire, and even power outages. Extension cords and power strips aren’t meant to carry a home’s full electrical load.

If you rely heavily on extension cords or plug multiple high-wattage home appliances (like the refrigerator, microwave, or air conditioning unit) into a single power strip, you increase the risk of a short circuit or fire. If your breaker keeps tripping, you notice warm plugs, or you spot flickering lights, these are all red flags that your system is overloaded.

Pro tip: Spread out your devices and consider an electrical upgrade with the help of a licensed electrician if your home struggles to keep up with demand.

DIY Electrical Work Without Proper Knowledge

We all love a good home improvement project — but when it comes to electrical wiring, it’s no place for guesswork. DIY jobs without a proper understanding of the National Electrical Code can create dangerous electrical faults hidden behind drywall or in your ceiling. Even a seemingly simple task like installing a ceiling fan or changing a light fixture requires a working knowledge of voltage, wire gauge, and safe grounding.

Trying to troubleshoot an issue with nothing but a screwdriver and a YouTube video can cause injury, arc flash, or even death. And in many cases, poorly done electrical work can void warranties or homeowner’s insurance.

Leave it to the experts. At Staley Electric, our licensed electricians follow every regulation and safety standard — no guesswork involved.

Ignoring Electrical Inspections and Maintenance

Out of sight, out of mind? Not when it comes to electrical conduits, junction boxes, and circuit breakers. Just like any other system in your home, your electrical setup needs routine maintenance and inspections to prevent issues like corrosion, voltage drop, and wire wear.

Many homeowners only call for help after a failure — like a blown fuse, power outage, or burning smell. But catching problems early can prevent fires, extend the life of your technology, and save you money in the long run.

If you’re remodeling, adding heavy equipment, or just haven’t had an inspection in a while, it’s time to book one. Our team can check for outdated aluminum wiring, confirm grounding, and ensure your setup meets today’s fire safety standards.

Using the Wrong Extension Cords or Power Tools

Not all extension cords are created equal. Using an indoor cord outside, or plugging high-wattage devices like a space heater or power tool into a thin cord, can cause the cord to overheat and spark.

Cords that are too long or too thin for the electric current they’re carrying can lead to voltage drops, reducing efficiency and increasing risk. And worn cords with exposed copper conductors are an accident waiting to happen.

When it comes to tools, only use equipment rated for the task. And never use tools or machines near water without personal protective equipment, like insulated gloves, glasses, and grounded gear.

At Staley Electric, we can help guide you on safe usage, proper gear, and even recommend safer home automation solutions for everyday convenience.

Placing Electronics Near Water Sources

It might seem obvious, but many homeowners still place space heaters, power cords, or kitchen appliances like coffee makers and toasters too close to sinks or wet counters. Bathrooms are another common danger zone, especially when using blow dryers, radios, or charging devices near tubs and showers.

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, leading to shocks, short circuits, and even fires. Keep electrical devices away from bathtubs, sinks, and flood-prone areas like the basement.

If you’re not sure your bathroom or kitchen outlets are protected with GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters), give us a call. We’ll make sure your home is up to code and protected.

Don’t Let Electrical Mistakes Cost You

Your home is one of your biggest investments, so don’t risk it with avoidable electrical mistakes. From outdated electrical wiring to overloaded circuits, every shortcut or overlooked issue adds up to one big hazard.

At Staley Electric, we specialize in keeping homes and businesses safe, efficient, and up to electrical code. Whether you need an inspection, a panel upgrade, or help solving an ongoing electrical issue, our experienced electrical contractors are here to help, providing the knowledge, gear, and professionalism your home deserves.

Call Staley Electric today to schedule your electrical safety inspection. We’re your local experts in fire prevention, power management, and system upgrades because when it comes to safety, there’s no room for shortcuts.

How to Choose the Right Generator Size for Your Home’s Needs

How to Choose the Right Generator Size for Your Home’s Needs

Whole Home Generators

When the lights go out and your house goes quiet, a generator can make all the difference between inconvenience and comfort. But how do you choose a generator that’s right for your home? Contrary to what you might initially assume, it’s not about picking the biggest model on the shelf — it’s about finding the right size based on your home’s needs, power usage, and lifestyle.

At Staley Electric, our commercial and residential electricians have helped countless property owners navigate power outages with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for unpredictable weather or simply want peace of mind, we’ll help you understand what generator size is best for your home without overcomplicating things.

Why Generator Size Matters

Generators aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the wrong size can lead to a range of issues. If the generator is too small, it may struggle to power your essentials, overheat, or trip your circuit breakers. On the other hand, a generator that’s too large may waste fuel and cost more than necessary.

So, what wattage generator do I need? It all comes down to the total electrical load you plan to support. Think about the appliances and systems you want running during a power outage: refrigerator, air conditioning, heat pump, sump pump, clothes dryer, lights, microwave oven, medical devices, and maybe even your home office setup with a laptop and Wi-Fi router. It all adds up.

Understanding Your Power Needs

To figure out what is a good size generator for a house, you need to calculate your home’s wattage requirements. 

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: Start by listing the must-have appliances and devices. For example:

  • Refrigerator: 600–800 watts
  • Sump pump: 750–1,500 watts
  • Furnace fan: 500–1,200 watts
  • Microwave: 800–1,200 watts
  • Electric stove/oven: 2,000–5,000 watts
  • Air conditioner: 1,000–4,000 watts
  • Lights and outlets: varies by home
  • Medical devices: varies by type
  • Washing machine: 500–1,000 watts

Add up the running watts and include a cushion for starting watts. Some appliances, like refrigerators and sump pumps, require more power to start than to run. That might be the reason your circuit breaker keeps tripping randomly!

You can also use a generator size calculator, mobile app, or speak directly with a licensed electrician from Staley Electric to get an accurate number based on your specific electrical load.

Types of Generators and Fuel Options

There are several types of electric generators, and choosing the right one also depends on your fuel preference, space, and budget:

  • Portable Generators: Good for powering a few key appliances. They run on gasoline, diesel fuel, or propane, and are best used for short-term emergency needs or camping. However, they produce carbon monoxide, so they must be used outdoors with proper safety precautions.
  • Standby Generators: These automatically turn on during a power outage and can run your entire home. They’re fueled by natural gas or propane and are connected directly to your home’s electrical grid using a transfer switch. These are ideal for homeowners with medical devices, home businesses, or a need for uninterrupted comfort.
  • Inverter Generators: Quiet and fuel-efficient, these are great for powering sensitive electronics like computers and televisions. They adjust the engine speed to match the demand, making them environmentally friendly and good for light-duty use.

Important Features to Consider

Are you asking yourself, “What type of generator do I need?” Think beyond just wattage. Here are other factors that play a role:

  • Transfer Switch: Automatically or manually shifts your home to the generator power supply during an outage.
  • Noise Level: Larger engines tend to be louder. Inverter models are often the quietest.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Consider gasoline, natural gas, diesel, or propane availability and storage.
  • Space Requirements: Make sure there’s adequate ventilation around your generator to prevent carbon monoxide risks.
  • Maintenance and Warranty: Look for models that are easy to maintain and come with a strong warranty.
  • Budget and Installation Costs: Factor in the cost of the generator, fuel tank, installation, and any necessary plumbing or electrical work.

Let Staley Electric Help You Make the Right Investment

Choosing a generator might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. At Staley Electric, our generator installation experts take the time to understand your needs, walk through your power priorities, and recommend the right size and type for your home. From evaluating your electrical load to installing your transfer switch and ensuring your system is National Electrical Code-compliant, we handle it all.

Whether you’re installing a standby generator for the first time or upgrading your current backup system, you can trust our team to deliver reliable, safe, and lasting power solutions.

Don’t wait for the next power outage to leave you in the dark. Call Staley Electric today and let us help you choose the perfect generator for your home’s comfort and security.