12 Tips for Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is highly important, whether you are at home or at work. If misused or tampered with, electricity can be life threatening. Thousands of accidents and deaths can be avoided every year if we all follow guidelines and precautions related to electrical safety. Some important tips for electrical safety are outlined below.

1 – Never Modify a Plug

Never remove or alter the prongs on a plug in any manner. This can cause serious ill effects such as shock or an electric fire.

2 – Never Overload an Electrical Outlet

Never overload an electrical outlet with too many cords or appliances. This can cause a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If you see any danger signs such as sparks from an outlet, immediately contact an electrician.

3 – Never use Worn or Frayed Electric Cords

If your appliances have worn cords or if the insulation is missing, have the cords replaced immediately. Never use the appliance in such a state.

4 – Keep Electric Appliances Away from Water

When you operate an electric appliance, ensure that it is a safe distance away from water. Never operate an electric appliance or turn on a switch with wet hands.

5 – Use GFCIs on All Outdoor and Bathroom Outlets

All bathroom and outdoor electrical outlets must be equipped with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters). This reduces the chances of electrical hazards.

6 – Prevent Overheating

Always ensure that electrical appliances have enough room for ventilation. This will prevent overheating. Also, ensure that electrical cords do not run underneath rugs or close to items that emanate heat.

7 – Watch for Overhead Power Lines when Working Outdoors

When you are outdoors working on a ladder or carrying long metal objects, make sure you thoroughly inspect the space around and above you. Avoid overhead electric wires. If you plan to do any digging, you must also ensure that the ground underneath is free of electrical wires.

8 – Cover All Unused Electrical Outlets with Safety Caps

Never insert any foreign object into an electrical outlet. Always supervise young children in the vicinity. If there are unused electrical outlets within the reach of a young child, you must cover them with plastic safety caps.

9 – Never Substitute Wiring with Extension Cords

Avoid the use of extension cords in place of wiring. This is highly unsafe and could cause overloading and electric problems.

10 – Watch for Blown Fuses or Tripping Circuit Breakers

If you have a fuse that blows often or a circuit breaker that trips all the time, consider having an inspection performed by an electrician.

11 – Use a Qualified Technician for Electrical Work

Unless you are qualified to do so, you must avoid performing electrical work such as wiring. Hire an electrician for this purpose. Avoid attempting to repair electrical goods that stop working or show signs of malfunction.

12 – Never Pull or Abuse Appliance Cords

Never carry an electrical appliance by the cord. When you want to disconnect an appliance, unplug the cord from the electrical outlet first and then from the appliance. Never pull on the cord to unplug an appliance.