How To Keep Yourself Protected From Common Electrical Safety Risks
From people being electrocuted while taking a bath, to fatal shocks while plugging in a kettle or iron, electricity is a dangerous force that requires you to be cautious and aware of its presence. Therefore, Electricity safety is no joke. Electricity can be fun to play with, but it can also be dangerous and even harmful if you understand how to handle it properly. From power cords to electric wires, there are many electrical things in your home that can be harmful if they aren’t treated with proper care and attention. Here are some tips to help you take care of your electrical supply.
We’ve all heard the horror stories about electrical safety and how it can go horribly wrong. The electrical hazards are growing these days with an increased use of electrical items.
From people being electrocuted while taking a bath, to fatal shocks while plugging in a kettle or iron, electricity is a dangerous force that requires you to be cautious and aware of its presence.
Therefore, Electricity safety is no joke. Electricity can be fun to play with, but it can also be dangerous and even harmful if you understand how to handle it properly. From power cords to electric wires, there are many electrical things in your home that can be harmful if they aren’t treated with proper care and attention. Here are some tips to help you take care of your electrical supply.
So let’s take a look at the most common electrical hazards found in homes and how to remove these risks.
1. Take Proper Care Of Overhead Power Lines
If you are not careful, overhead power lines can become energized, creating a real electrical hazard. If you have an exposed overhead power line, avoid standing under it or near it. Do not try to clean or fix anything that’s connected to the power line. They carry high voltages, which can lead to severe burns to the workers.
In addition to this, as winter approaches and temperature drops, overhead power lines will likely be covered with snow. The only danger is that a snow-laden power line could become overloaded if too much weight builds up on the line. So it’s important to avoid them or keep at least 10 feet away from them when you walk outside or do yard work.
2. Damaged Tools And Equipment
Always inspect your tools and equipment before use to ensure they’re fit for the task. If you notice any damage or that a tool is missing any parts don’t use it, repair it or replace it. Tools with frayed or cracked cords should be repaired and replaced immediately. You should also replace damaged extension cords as soon as possible to avoid any scenarios where the cord could fray further. Damaged equipment may not be safe, and using it could be dangerous. It can cause fires, electrocution and other severe injuries when used.
3. Use The Correct Wires To Prevent Electrical Hazards
Using the correct wires and cables, such as three-core cords, can prevent electrical problems. The three-core cord consists of a copper core (copper wire), an insulated copper core (insulated copper wire), and an insulating jacket to prevent the cores from damage.
Cables should be designed for the job and have adequate protection from dust and moisture. To avoid electrical hazards, double-check the wire insulation is in good condition and that the wire is rated for the operation and the voltage of the tool.
4. Fix Improper Grounding
One of the most important things you can do for your home is to ensure your electrical system is properly grounded. A ground fault interrupter (GFI) is basically a circuit breaker that’s designed to keep you safe in case an electrical line gets loose. But if the outlet you’re plugging your GFI isn’t properly grounded, it won’t work, and you could be putting yourself at risk for an electrical shock.
Improper grounding is also one of the leading causes of electrical fires in the house. Therefore you must invest in a ground fault circuit interrupter and install it somewhere close to your desktop or in a central area of your home. It doesn’t cost much and should be able to prevent most electrical mishaps.
5. Never Operate Electrical Equipment In Wet Locations
The problem is that electricity and water don’t mix well, so you should never operate electrical equipment in wet locations. Electrical hazards include working with extension cords in the rain or snow because they can cause electrocution and shock.
Most home appliances also have several parts that are sensitive to water and moisture. Even if you don’t operate the appliance in a wet location, like when you’re rinsing it off, there is still the possibility of getting moisture into its electrical components while they’re plugged into an outlet. That could result in shocks, short circuits, or even fire hazards.
6. Check For Any Exposed Parts And Replace Damaged Insulation
While you are at home, make sure that all electrical equipment is fused correctly. Check for any exposed parts and replace damaged insulation. If you are using extension leads, check that the rating of the extension lead is higher than that of the appliance it’s being used with to prevent a risk of electrical overload. Never use an extension cord outside in wet conditions. Test smoke alarms at least once a month to get alerted if there’s a problem in your home.
7. Improper Use Of Extension Cords
Extension cords are a convenient way to extend the reach of an electrical outlet, but they can also be dangerous if used improperly. Electrical hazards can occur when extension cords are overloaded, damaged, or improperly grounded. To avoid these hazards, always use the correct size and type of extension cord for the application and never overload it. Ensure the cord is not frayed or damaged in any way, and never use more than one extension cord at a time.
Conclusion
Electrical hazards can be dangerous, and they can lead to some serious issues. Therefore, you must try to improve electrical safety in your home so you can stay safe