Don’t Hide the Risk: Electrical Safety Tips for Your Home
If you’ve ever run a power cord across the living room and tucked it under a rug to “clean up the look,” you’re not alone — but you may be creating a dangerous fire hazard. One of the most overlooked electrical safety tips for homeowners is to never place wires or extension cords under carpets or rugs.
It might seem like a quick fix for tripping hazards or clutter, but the consequences can be serious — even life-threatening.
Why It’s Dangerous to Run Wires Under Carpets
🔥 Fire Risk
When electrical wires are covered by fabric, especially in high-traffic areas, heat cannot dissipate properly. Over time, pressure from foot traffic can damage the insulation and cause the wire to overheat, leading to electrical fires.
⚡ Shock Hazard
Damaged or frayed cords hidden under carpets can go unnoticed until someone steps on them and receives a dangerous electric shock — especially dangerous in homes with kids or pets.
🚫 Code Violation
Improperly placed wires (especially permanent ones) can violate local building and electrical codes, which require safe routing, protection, and proper installation by licensed electricians.
Safer Alternatives to Carpet-Hidden Cords
Luckily, there are safer — and smarter — ways to manage your wires:
✅ Use Cord Covers
Heavy-duty cord covers are designed to sit safely on the floor and protect wires from damage while preventing trips.
✅ Add More Outlets
Instead of stretching extension cords across rooms, consider hiring a licensed electrician to install additional wall outlets where you need them most.
✅ Run Wires Along Baseboards
With the right hardware, wires can be safely attached along baseboards or hidden behind trim panels — clean and safe.
✅ Use Smart Solutions
Upgrade to smart plugs, power strips, or even wireless charging stations to reduce cord clutter and improve safety.
Common Areas Where This Happens
- Living rooms with wall-mounted TVs
- Home offices with multiple devices
- Bedrooms with extension cords for lamps
- Holiday setups with string lights
If any of these sound like your home, it may be time for an electrical safety inspection.
Let a Professional Make It Safe
At Franco’s Electric, we help homeowners across Southwest Florida stay safe by identifying and correcting common electrical hazards like hidden wires, overloaded circuits, and outdated panels.
Our expert services include:
- Outlet installation in high-need areas
- Home safety inspections
- Child-safe wiring solutions
- Power strip and surge protection upgrades
Don’t wait for an accident to happen — get ahead of it with a safety-first mindset.
Schedule an Electrical Safety Check Today
If you’ve been hiding wires under rugs or using long extension cords to make up for lack of outlets, it’s time to fix it the right way. Franco’s Electric is just a call away for fast, professional solutions that keep your home both beautiful and safe.
📞 Call or Text: (239) 244-8640
🌐 Visit: francoselectric.com