National Electrical Safety Month: Learn, inspect and prevent

National Electrical Safety Month: Learn, inspect and prevent

May 1, 2025 | Safety and Security

Staying safe around electricity is something we focus on every day as we work to deliver the most reliable power possible to our 1.5 million customers. We should also take that mindset home with us and make electrical safety a priority.

During National Electrical Safety Month, take some time to inspect electrical equipment and components in your home and make sure your home is free from electrical hazards. And if you do detect some safety hazards, consider hiring a qualified electrician to do an inspection and make any needed repairs or upgrades.

Here are some common electrical safety measures, including tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International, that you can take around your house:

Extension cords

  • Never use more than one extension cord and don’t overload the cords you do use.
  • Make sure the extension cords you use are properly rated for their intended use and have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
  • Inspect cords before use. If you spot cracked or frayed sockets, loose wires or loose connections, discard and replace the cord.
  • Don’t put staples or nails through cords.
  • Don’t put carpets or rugs over cords.

Overloaded circuit warnings

  • Flickering, blinking or dimming lights.
  • Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
  • Warm or discolored wall plates.
  • Crackling, sizzling or buzzing in receptacles.

Power tool safety

  • Use ground fault circuit interrupters with power tools to protect against shocks.
  • Don’t use extension cords longer than 100 feet with power tools.
  • Never use power tools near live electrical wires or water pipes.
  • When working with electricity, use tools with insulated grips.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Smoke alarms

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every floor.
  • Test smoke alarms once a month.
  • Replace smoke alarm batteries annually.
  • Occasionally dust or lightly vacuum exterior of alarm to remove dust and cobwebs.
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Outdoor safety

  • Contact 811 at least three business days before any digging project.
  • Always identify potential overhead power lines before beginning any outdoor project.
  • Carry ladders parallel to the ground to avoid contact with overhead power lines.
  • Don’t use electrical equipment or extension cords in wet conditions or in the rain.

Additional resources

PPL Electric offers a variety of important electrical safety information and resources at pplelectric.com/safety. You can find resources for specific groups including:

 

12 Tips for a safer home or business

12 Tips for a safer home or business

May 4, 2021 | Safety and Security

The start of National Electrical Safety Month is a reminder to take inventory of electrical components around your home and business. It’s also a good time to share with others the importance of staying safe near overhead and underground power lines and other electrical equipment.

Always stay away from any power lines that may fall to the ground and always assume they’re energized. If you see a fallen line report it by calling 1-800-342-5775 and we’ll send someone out to the location.

Here are some electrical safety tips to consider all-year round.

Inside your home or business:

  • Make sure all power cords are in good condition and not frayed or cracked.
  • Do not put nails or staples through cords and don’t run cords under carpeting.
  • Make sure plugs fit securely and are not forced into an outlet.
  • Use light bulbs that are the correct, recommended wattage.
  • Use extension cords only for temporary, not permanent wiring.
  • Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas where water and electricity can make contact.
  • Contact a licensed electrical contractor if you have flickering lights, sparks, non-functioning outlets, or need wiring repairs or upgrades.

Outside:

  • Before doing any work that involves ladders or climbing, make sure there are no power lines overhead.
  • Know what’s below! Call 811 at least three business days before starting a project that involves digging.
  • Don’t plant trees under power lines or near other electrical equipment.
  • Stay away from pad-mounted transformers, the large green metal boxes that are typically seen on the ground in housing developments.
  • Keep power tools away from water and don’t operate then when it’s raining.

For more electrical safety resources, check out pplelectric.com/safety.