The expert warns of risks such as overload, short circuit and even fires; See the warning signals and what to do in an emergency
Winter has arrived and with it the use of appliances that consume more electricity, such as showers, heaters and dryers, grows. The increase in demand, however, requires further attention to avoid overloads, short circuits and even fires in old or scarce structures.
“It is essential that the electricity grid of the house undergoes a professional evaluation during this period of the year. A trained electrician can identify failures and prevent serious accidents”, warns Marcelo SebastiĆ£o, director of the Porto service, specialized in residential maintenance.
Appliances that most require attention to the cold
Some devices are true bad consumption and require extra treatments during the colder months. Among these are:
- Electric shower
- Portable heater
- Hairdryer
- Microwave
- Electric coffee maker
According to Sebastião, all these devices must have the wiring, the stores and the circuit switches evaluated by a technician, especially if the property is old.
Signs of alert: when to deactivate the device
You must be aware of the symptoms that something is wrong with the electric grid or in the appliance itself. See the main warning signals:
- Burning smell
- Overheating of the device
- Shock when you touch the equipment
- Unusual noises
- Switches that often disarches
By identifying one of these problems, the ideal is immediately interrupting the use of the device and calling a trusted electrician.
Benjamins and adapters: overload criminals
Even the use of adapters and “Benjamins” (or “T” M deserves attention in winter. With more connected devices, the temptation to improvise is large and dangerous.
“These devices do not support the simultaneous operation of powerful devices and can cause overload. The ideal is to install new feeding points safely, with professional help,” says SebastiĆ£o.
How to protect your home from peaks and short circuits
To protect the appliances and avoid network problems, experts recommend:
- Use line filters with epidemic protection.
- Invest in stabilizers for sensitive equipment.
- Carry out a complete electrical review, including energy frame, switches and grounding.
- These services can be hired with specialized companies and help to guarantee greater safety for the entire home.
What to do in case of electric shocks
In emergency situations, like a closed shock, the first step is to turn off the general switch. Never touch the victim while in contact with the electric current.
If the person is unconscious, call Samu (192) and starts heart massage if he knows how to do it.
If you are aware, keep it at rest and wait for help.
After the accident, an electrician should evaluate the cause of the problem and correct installation failures.
Tips to prevent electric accidents in winter
To avoid risks with electricity, the expert recommends:
- Do not turn on different powerful devices in the same outlet.
- Avoid the use of extensions and gambiarras.
- Keep the heaters away from curtains and furniture.
- Turn off the equipment when you leave the house or before going to bed.
- Carry out a preventive electricity revision with qualified professionals.
“With a little simple care and adequate technical support, it is possible to enjoy the winter with safety and tranquility”, strengthens Marcelo SebastiĆ£o.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.