We could never possibly imagine living without a continuous supply of electricity – such is our dependence on electrical energy. From providing lighting, cooling and heating to powering all of our appliances, electricity has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, we must not forget that if used incorrectly, it can damage or even endanger human lives.
Indoors
Our homes are totally dependent on electrical energy to supply us with food, light, entertainment, heating and cooling. Many electrical related accidents occur in homes and the main areas of concern are listed below.
Home appliances
Our homes are full of appliances, from microwaves and toasters to fridges and televisions, but there are safety measures that must be observed to avoid the danger of electrocution.
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Make sure that heat-producing appliances like computer monitors and televisions have enough inches of space for good air circulation.
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Refrain from pushing anything into an appliance like the toaster.
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Before cleaning appliances, turn them off and unplug them.
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Turn off appliances such as ovens, air conditioners, heaters, etc. while leaving his house.
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With wet hands, never touch any electrical appliance.
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Do not fold an electric blanket for storage because the cords can crack or kink.
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Check appliances at regular intervals for faulty or broken plugs, cords, and switches, and replace or have them repaired immediately.
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In case you discard them, make sure no one else can use them.
Lights
Although the lights appear to be soft, they are quite capable of inducing electrocutions. When handling lights of any kind, the following tips should be followed to stay safe:
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To avoid overheating, always use a bulb of adequate wattage.
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Before changing a bulb, always turn off the light.
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Avoid using wet hands to change a light bulb or touch a light switch.
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Have a certified electrician separate the plates in case tiling is being placed around light fixtures or switches.
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Do not remove the plate around the light while painting a ceiling, instead cover it.
Laces
It is through cables that we can connect household appliances to the power supply and this also needs to be handled very carefully. Below are the safety tips for electrical cables:
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Loosen cables completely before use to avoid overheating.
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At all times, pull a cord out of the wall at the socket because pulling on the cord itself is not safe.
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When using extension cords for outdoor use, make sure the extension cords are rated for outdoor use and make sure the connections are protected from the elements.
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Yes, extension cords should be used only as a temporary solution and should be run around walls to warn of tripping and should not be placed under rugs or rugs.
Humid areas
Electricity and water do not mix, so special care must be taken in humid areas, including the following:
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When working in humid areas like the laundry room, wear rubber-soled shoes.
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In the bathroom, unplug and safely store electric shavers and hair dryers whenever you are not using them.
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In the bathroom, avoid the use of portable electric heaters.
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Refrain from using extension cords in wet areas unless they are intentionally designed for such use.
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To avoid splashing, keep stereos away from pools and spas.
Power plates and adapters
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We tend to use so many electrical appliances in our day-to-day lives that a single outlet is often not adequate; however, care must be taken when using dual-power cards or adapters.
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Do not carry a double adapter as it may cause an electrical fire.
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Make sure the power plate has the correct amperage to support the appliances that are connected to it; however, never overload a power plate with too many appliances.
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It is recommended to always use power panels with built-in safety devices such as overload switches.
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Inspect the power boards at regular intervals for signs of discoloration or burns and replace them immediately if you notice them.
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Make sure electrical boards have sufficient ventilation to protect against overheating.
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It is recommended to turn off the power cards from the wall outlet whenever they are not in use for some time.
Outdoor
Electricity can also be dangerous outside the home and care must be taken here too. The main areas of concern are listed below.
Hidden / concealed cables
Cables you cannot see are more dangerous than overhead power lines. In such situations, the following tips should be observed.
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You should call 1100 before digging any type of hole or ditch in your backyard as there may be underground power lines running through it.
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Try to find out where electrical wires are before drilling through walls, especially around sockets and light switches.
Power lines
Overhead power lines have huge voltages, so special care must be taken with them. Follow the safety tips below for power lines.
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Make sure there are no overhead power lines in the area before installing an antenna, climbing a ladder, or setting up a boat mast.
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In the area around power lines, trees should be professionally trimmed and preferably low-growing vegetation should be planted in such areas.
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Make sure your children don’t climb trees or fly kites near overhead power lines.
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Suppose you are on your roof for whatever reason, just stay away from the power lines that connect your home to the grid.
Prevention
Prevention is better than cure, the saying goes! Protect yourself from all possible electrical accidents by following these simple rules:
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It is recommended to always use the services of a certified electrician.
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Never try to do DIY electrical work; Not only is it illegal, it can also cause electrocutions or fires.
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It is recommended to replace all old ceramic wire type fuses with switch type circuit breakers.
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To detect possible hazards, have a licensed electrician perform a electrical safety audit of your home or business.
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Install safety switches or RCDs (residual current devices). They will cut off the flow of power within a millisecond during an emergency, helping to prevent electrocution.
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To make sure the safety switches are in good working order, test them every 3 months.
Although electricity has the potential to kill, we can live safely using it as long as we apply common sense and also teach our children to do the same. Electricity can continue to be a great helper in all stages of our life.