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Safety and emergency readiness

Stop using cords, plugs, outlets, and switches that show heat or damage

Fraying, looseness, scorch marks, heat, buzzing, missing covers, water exposure, and repeated trips are warning signs, not invitations to tighten or open electrical parts.

Homeowner guidance with clear stop points

When it usually needs attention

Ongoing home-care habit

CPSC electrical guidance supports ongoing visual attention and prompt correction of damaged equipment rather than an invasive resident inspection schedule.

When this guide applies

Applies to electrified occupied homes as an observation and stop-use card.

What to do

During normal use, look and listen without removing covers; unplug a portable item only when the plug and area are dry and safe, keep the damaged item out of use, photograph the location, and report fixed-wiring or repeated-trip concerns.

Applies when: Applies to electrified occupied homes as an observation and stop-use card.

Who should handle it: Residents may stop using portable items and report; receptacles, switches, covers, fixed wiring, breakers, shared service, and permanent equipment belong to the responsible owner and qualified electrician.

Tools

  • Flashlight
  • Phone camera used without approaching exposed parts

Parts and supplies

  • Tag or container to keep a safe disconnected portable item out of use
  • No tape or replacement electrical part

Safety gear

  • No consumer PPE makes exposed or wet electrical work safe

Before you start

  • Dry normal footing
  • Keep children and pets away from the area

Power, water, or fuel shutoffs

  • Unplug only a cool, dry, undamaged portable plug by its body when safe
  • Do not reset repeated trips or open a panel

Cleaner or chemical limits

Do not spray cleaner, water, solvent, lubricant, contact cleaner, pesticide, or degreaser into or near electrical equipment.

Stop and get help when

  • Leave and use emergency or utility help for arcing, smoke, fire, shock, energized water, exposed conductors, service damage, or a hot fixed device
  • Do not touch, tighten, tape, open, probe, or repeatedly reset a fault

Who to call: Use emergency or utility help for immediate danger and the responsible owner plus a qualified electrician or product service provider for inspection and repair.

Reviewed sources