Mister Sparky Recommends Consumers Follow Summer Electrical Safety Tips

ST. PETERS, MO, July 27, 2012 (Press-News.org) According to Brooke Schoene, the General Manager of national electrical franchisor Mister Sparky , "While summertime activities can afford people the time to relax and offer new places to play, consumers still need to be diligent about safety hazards that can crop up in their surroundings, whether they are just hanging outside with friends and family, or while away from home on vacation."

Mister Sparky - America's On-Time Electrician - recommends that consumers and families follow these Summer Electrical Safety Tips:

- Ensure that your pools and hot tubs are properly grounded to reduce the risk of electrical shock
- Always inspect electrical cords on DS games, computers, and cell phones for fraying or exposed wiring before plugging into an electrical outlet
- All major appliances in the home should be plugged directly in to an electrical outlet. NEVER use and extension cords to power these items
- Do not overload outlets with multiple adapters or power strips
- ALWAYS use caution around water and electricity
- Make sure all wet areas of the home, both inside and out, are protected by GFCI outlets and test those outlet monthly
- Know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers are located in your home and how to shut them off in case of emergency
Make sure you have smoke detectors on each floor in your home and check them regularly
- NEVER attempt electrical repairs without proper certification or experience. ALWAYS hire a knowledgeable, reputable electrical company to do the work

Schoene offers that the trained and bonded electricians - available through the 97 Mister Sparky locations across the United States - are specifically educated on local electrical codes, and are available on call 24/7 to handle any summer electrical need or emergency.

"At Mister Sparky, we strictly adhere to, and comply with, the local and national electrical codes as dictated by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is published by the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70)."

The NEC is a United States standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. While the NEC is not itself a U.S. law, the use of NEC is commonly mandated by state or local law, as well as in many jurisdictions outside of the United States. The NEC codifies the requirements for safe electrical installations into a single, standardized source. Local jurisdictions and code enforcement boards inspect for compliance with the minimum standards, as set forth in code.

Schoene adds, "So no matter if you're playing in your own backyard pool, or enjoying swimming while at your lakefront destination, Mister Sparky's extensively trained and fully licensed technicians comply with all local and state codes, and can handle any electrical situation."

For more information about Mister Sparky, and their team of highly trained electrical contractors across the country, please contact Brooke Schoene at 314.781.9998 or via email at brooke.schoene@mistersparky.com.