One Hour a Year Can Prevent a Lifetime of Problems
Most homeowners think about their electrical system exactly twice: when they move in, and when something goes wrong. The problem with that approach is that electrical issues rarely announce themselves dramatically. They build up with a loose connection here, an overloaded circuit there, until a tripped breaker, a flickering light, or something worse gets your attention. Buxton Electric’s licensed electricians have been serving the Tulsa metro and surrounding communities for over 20 years. We are locally owned, fully licensed and insured, and committed to honest, high-quality electrical work on every job we take.
The Annual Electrical Safety Checklist
Print this out, grab a flashlight, and work through it room by room. Check the box when each item is confirmed. If you find something that raises a question, write it down. We’re happy to talk through it with you.
| Done | ChecklistItem |
| [ ] | Test all GFCI outlets: press the TEST button, confirm power cuts, then RESET |
| [ ] | Check kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and all outdoor outlets for GFCI protection |
| [ ] | Inspect the panel for rust, burn marks, or unusual heat coming from the door |
| [ ] | Verify all breakers are labeled accurately and legibly |
| [ ] | Look for double-tapped breakers (two wires sharing one terminal) |
| [ ] | Check panel amperage (most modern households need 200A minimum) |
| [ ] | Test all smoke detectors on every level of the home |
| [ ] | Test carbon monoxide detectors if home has gas appliances or attached garage |
| [ ] | Identify any two-prong (ungrounded) outlets. Most common in pre-1970 Tulsa homes. |
| [ ] | Check outdoor outlets and fixtures for weather-tight covers and secure mounting |
| [ ] | Look for extension cords used as permanent wiring as this is a fire risk |
| [ ] | Confirm bathroom and kitchen circuits are on dedicated breakers |
| [ ] | Note any flickering lights |
| [ ] | Inspect visible attic or crawlspace wiring for chewed insulation or open splices |
| [ ] | Verify dryer and electric range are on correct 240V dedicated circuits |
| [ ] | Test all light switches: warm or buzzing switches require immediate attention |
| [ ] | Check for silver-colored (aluminum) wiring |
What to Do When Something Is Wrong
Finding a problem on this list doesn’t necessarily mean an emergency, but it does mean a conversation worth having. Some items can be monitored or scheduled; others need attention right away. Here’s how to think about triage:
Address immediately (same day):
Burn marks on the panel, hot switch plates or outlets, burning smell anywhere near wiring, breakers that trip and won’t reset, sparking outlets.
Schedule within 30 days:
GFCI outlets not functioning, double-tapped breakers, aluminum wiring identified, outdated Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, ungrounded outlets throughout the home.
Plan for within 6 months:
Panel amperage insufficient for home’s load, extension cords used as permanent solutions, no hardwired smoke detectors, general system age concerns.
The Buxton Standard
When you call us for an assessment, we work through a similar checklist. We tell you what we find, explain what it means for your safety and your budget, and let you decide what to address and when. No pressure. Just clear information.
Ready to help when you need it.
If you’re in Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, or anywhere across northeastern Oklahoma, Buxton Electric is ready to help. Call us at (918) 296-4444. Clear pricing. Real communication. Work done right the first time.
