Electricity is such a normal part of everyday living that it’s almost impossible to
imagine life without it. Electricity can also be quite dangerous if not used
properly. It can cause serious injuries through electric shocks or even death. Here are a few tips for
safety when using electricity in the home to prevent electric shock.
Avoid water
Water is a good electrical conductor, but it does not
conduct the electricity through a specific channel, it spreads all over. You
can be easily
electrocuted if you step on a wet floor while an electrical appliance with an exposed wire is on the
floor on the other side of the room. Keep all your appliances away from water.
Do not use your hair drier or shaver near your bathtub. In case your house gets
flooded, turn off the electricity from the main switch before attempting to
unplug all the appliances in the flooded area. Avoid operating your electrical
appliances when your hands are wet.
Keep the electrical cords out of the way
Another way that people often are electrocuted is through
electrical cords traversing the house, especially in high traffic areas. You
should keep your cords short and close to the outlet. In case you need to use
very long cords, you should consider calling an electrician to install a new
outlet closer to the appliance you are powering. Avoid tucking long power
cables under carpets or furniture. The wear and tear might damage the
insulation covering and expose the live wires inside that will electrocute
anyone who touches it.
Keep your appliances in great working order.
First, you should always buy appliances from reputable
brands that are accredited for great quality and high safety standards. Use
your appliances as recommended by manufacturers to prevent malfunctioning. In
case your appliance stops working properly or starts making unusual noises, you
should get it repaired immediately. Your chances of being electrocuted are often
higher when the appliance is faulty.
Use outlet covers
If you have small children or pets in the house, you should
use outlet covers to prevent them from tampering with the electricity outlet.
The outlets are direct sources of live electricity and it is very easy to be
electrocuted at the outlet. The outlet covers are usually difficult to remove
for children or any animals that you may have around the house.
Circuit breakers and fuses
In case you live in an old house, it may not have Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), which is a standard in most new construction
homes, especially in areas where water will be in close proximity to the
outlet, like kitchens. The GFCIs shuts down power instantaneously to prevent
electrocution. You should also have the right size and wattage rating circuit
breakers and fuses. Be careful when buying replacements for these to ensure
that they match the specifications of the circuit to be used in. You can also
get advice from an electrician if you are not sure of the right ones to buy.
Posted by: Blackstock Electric
