Home Electrical Safety Checklist for Fort Myers Homes

Electricity is one of those things we all depend on every single day. It powers the coffee maker in the morning, keeps the A/C running when the Florida heat kicks in, and lights up the house when the sun goes down. Most of the time, we hardly think about it — until something goes wrong.

Here’s the truth: small electrical issues can turn into big problems if they’re ignored. We’re talking fire risks, property damage, or serious safety concerns for your family.

That’s why we put together this Home Electrical Safety Checklist. It’s a quick, practical guide for Fort Myers homeowners to catch problems early — before they get out of hand.

Why Electrical Safety Matters in Fort Myers

Living here in Southwest Florida brings some unique challenges. Humid air, salty breezes off the Gulf, and those sudden summer storms can wear down your home’s wiring and connections faster than you’d expect.

And because Fort Myers is such a mix of older homes and brand-new builds, some neighborhoods are more prone to outdated wiring issues while others deal with newer tech that still needs a good inspection now and then.

A quick yearly check using this list can give you peace of mind. And if you spot anything concerning, that’s when it’s time to call in a licensed electrician.

Your Home Electrical Safety Checklist

Here’s what you’ll want to walk through at least once a year:

1. Electrical Panel & Circuit Breakers

• Make sure your panel is clearly labeled (no guessing games).

• Check for rust, buzzing noises, or any odd burning smells.

• Breakers that trip over and over again might be telling you it’s time for an upgrade.

👉 Tip: Permits are required in Fort Myers for panel upgrades, so always have a pro handle that one.

2. Outlets & Switches

• Test them all — it only takes a few minutes.

• Look for discoloration, heat, or burn marks.

• Outlets near sinks, outdoors, or in garages should be GFCI-protected. If not, add it to your “call an electrician” list.

3. Cords, Plugs & Extension Use

• Toss out any cords that are cracked, frayed, or taped together.

• Extension cords are for short-term use — not a permanent fix.

• Don’t overload power strips with too many heavy-duty appliances.

4. Lighting & Fixtures

• Replace bulbs that flicker or fixtures that hum.

• Switch to LEDs — they’re safer, brighter, and save money.

• Double-check outdoor lights: are they weather-rated and sealed against Florida’s summer rains?

5. Appliances & Devices

• Unplug small kitchen gadgets when you’re done with them.

• Keep cords out from under rugs and furniture (they can overheat).

• Make sure big appliances — your fridge, dryer, A/C — each have their own dedicated circuit.

6. Outdoor & Specialty Wiring

• Check pool, spa, or hot tub wiring for corrosion or exposed wires. (If you’re unsure, call us — we handle pool and spa circuits all the time.)

• Look over landscape lighting, dock lights, and boat-lift wiring. Salt air and water exposure can be tough on them.

• Outdoor outlets should be weatherproof and GFCI-protected.

When to Call a Professional

The checklist is meant to help you catch obvious red flags, but there are times when you need an expert right away. Call a licensed electrician if you notice:

• A burning or melting smell near outlets or your panel

• Sparks when plugging something in

• Lights flickering across multiple rooms

• Outlets that won’t hold plugs snugly

• Shocks or tingling when touching appliances

A whole-home inspection from a professional can catch hidden issues — things like outdated wiring, loose connections, or code problems you’d never see on your own.

Protect Your Fort Myers Home with Coharbor Electric

At Coharbor Electric, we’re your local neighbors and electricians. Our mission is simple: keep Fort Myers families safe with reliable, code-compliant electrical work. Whether it’s a quick outlet repair, a panel replacement, or a full inspection, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait for a small electrical hiccup to turn into a serious hazard. Use this checklist as your first line of defense — then let us take care of the rest.

📞 Ready to feel confident about your home’s electrical system? Call Coharbor Electric today and schedule your safety inspection.