Free homeowner guide
Home electrical safety checklist
Walk through this list twice a year and after major storms. It is a visual safety check—not a substitute for opening equipment or performing electrical tests.
Smoke, active sparking, fire, damaged service conductors, or a strong burning smell requires immediate action. Leave the area and contact emergency services when appropriate.
Panel and service
- Panel cover is secure, accessible, and free of stored items
- No rust, water marks, buzzing, heat, or burning odor
- Breakers are labeled and no empty openings expose internal parts
- Breakers do not trip repeatedly or feel unusually warm
- Outdoor service equipment shows no storm or tree damage
Outlets, switches, and cords
- Outlets hold plugs securely and have intact cover plates
- No discoloration, cracking, sparking, buzzing, or warmth
- Extension cords are temporary—not permanent wiring
- Power strips are not daisy-chained or used for major appliances
- Outdoor receptacles have weather protection and working GFCI protection
Kitchen, bathroom, garage, and laundry
- GFCI devices test and reset correctly
- Appliance cords and plugs show no heat or damage
- Countertop appliances are not overloading one receptacle
- Dryer and range connections show no heat or looseness
- Electrical devices are kept away from leaks and standing water
Lighting, fans, and smoke alarms
- Fixtures use the correct bulb type and wattage
- Lights do not flicker repeatedly across multiple rooms
- Ceiling fans do not wobble, scrape, or smell hot
- Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are tested regularly
- Outdoor lighting and wiring remain secure after storms
Storm and outage readiness
- Know the location of the main disconnect without opening the panel
- Use listed surge protection for sensitive equipment
- Keep generator operation outdoors and away from doors or windows
- Never connect a generator through a household outlet
- Treat downed conductors and damaged service equipment as energized
Found something concerning?
Bolt Electric can diagnose the condition, explain priorities, and recommend the appropriate repair without guessing.