Electrical safety tips

A Guide to Staying Safe Around Electricity

Can you imagine living without electricity?

It is easy to take electricity for granted and forget how heavily we rely on it in the modern world. We are so used to living in a comfortable world powered by electricity.

From appliances to lighting and temperature control, it really has become an element of comfort. This is also the reason why it is so easy to forget the dangers of electricity and that if not used correctly, it has a potential to cause serious harm to yourself or your property.

This article will cover the main electrical safety tips to keep in mind, so you can assure your home and workplace are safe for everyone when it comes to electricity

Electricity is all around us, here is what to look for

In a modern home, many activities and conveniences rely on electricity. We use it for cooking our food and controlling the temperature in our house, not to mention entertainment. All these electrical appliances can become hazards if not looked after properly.

Here is a list of the main culprits, compiled for you by licensed electricians from Geelong Electrics –

Devices and Appliances

Appliances have literally changed our world. Since the invention of an electrical toaster, it has been a snowball effect, catapulting society into a world of more and more convenience. There are now an average of 10 -15 appliances per household, including smaller toasters and curling irons to bigger machines like dishwashers and fridges.

Since we are so used to having appliances around all the time, it is easy to forget that there are certain safety measures that we need to keep in mind when dealing with electricity.

Devices need regular inspection, check for faulty bits like switches, cables or plugs, and get them fixed if you notice any issues.
When disposing a faulty appliance, make sure no-one else can use it.
When cleaning your devices, make sure to unplug them from the wall.
Do not stick anything into the appliances, especially anything metal. The fork in the toaster is a rather dreadful example of this.
Always make sure you have dry hands when handling your devices
Before you leave your home, check that all the appliances have been turned off at the wall. The fridge is pretty much an only exemption to this.
Devices that tend to heat up, like monitors and TV sets need some space around them for air movement.
Take care with your electric blankets, they should never be folded for storage as this may damage the wires inside.

Cables and Power Cords

Cables and cords are the pathways for the electricity to travel from the plug to the device. Many people tend to overestimate the durability and safety of the cables, as they are simply not aware how to care for them properly. Here are some tips for cable care:

Extension cables are not meant to be a permanent solution. When using extensions, place them so they are following along the walls, to avoid stumbling. Never place extension cords under soft items, made of fabric, such as, rugs, pillows, mattresses, etc.
Never pull at the cord. When removing a cable from the wall, pull from the plug itself.
When using extension cables outdoors, you need to ensure that the connections are safe from the elements. You should also use a cord that is made for outdoor use.
When using the cables, make sure they are stretched out properly, as bundled up cords may overheat.

Adapters and Power Boards

It is common to use power boards as a single power outlet in a room is simply not sufficient.

Since this is such a common thing to do, people do not realize the potential hazards this brings, below are some points to pay attention to:

Always check the amperage of the power board you are using. When plugging different appliances into it, you need to make sure not to breach the limit of maximum amperage allowed.
When buying power boards, choose the ones with safety switches built in, as they will turn off when the maximum limit is breached.
Staining is a sign of trouble, if you see darker areas around the sockets, it is time to get yourself new powerboards.
Just like bundled cords, powerboards are also subject to raising temperatures. Make sure you have enough space around them for air circulation.
If you have a powerboard that is not constantly in use, turn it off from the wall between uses.

Lighting

Even changing a lightbulb can be dangerous enough to electrify a person. Make sure you do the following when dealing with lights:

When changing a lightbulb, make sure you have turned the lights off from the switch.
Make sure your hands are completely dry.
Check the allowed wattage to avoid the lightbulb from overheating and becoming a hazard.
Never remove the plate around the light. If you need to do so for the purposes or painting or tiling the ceiling, contact an electrician.

Water Rooms

As we have already mentioned, H2O and Electricity is not a good combination.Therefore, you need to pay extra attention if you have any appliances in wet areas like spa, laundry and bathroom areas. See some tips below:

When you are working in areas with wet floors, laundry for example, it is advised to wear slippers with rubber soles.
If you have devices near your spas and swimming pools, keep in mind that water can splash quite far, so keep them far enough for safety.
Store bathroom appliances like hair straighteners and electric trimmers safe in a drawer when not in use.
Avoid using extension cables near water.

Power lines up above and down below

Power lines in the streets have powerful voltages in them, making them extra dangerous if something goes wrong. Please see some of the tips below:

When you need to do any work that takes place high above ground, you should make sure there are no power lines crossing that area.
Check for the trees on your nature strip and whether they are growing dangerously close to the power lines. If so, you will need to contact professional trimmers to cut them back.
Teach your children about the dangers of power lines, make sure they will not climb trees close to them.
While working on the roof, start clear from the power lines.
Newer estates and suburbs are being built with the power lines deep underground. Pay attention to any signage warning of excavation in the area.
Take care when you need to dig into the ground in your backyard. Underground cables may be in your path, they can become quite dangerous if broken with a shovel.
It is important to find out where the wires have been laid inside your walls before drilling holes in them.

Stay Alert and Stay Safe with Preventative Care

“Better safe than sorry” is a saying that 100% applies to electricity.

You can massively reduce the dangers of electricity by preventing any of your electrical appliances becoming hazardous. Below are a few simple tips for an electrically safe home.

When you need an electrical task done, do not attempt it yourself. DIY is cool in most areas, but it can cost lives when dealing with electricity. This is the reason why attempting electrical repairs without a licence is also illegal.
Make sure your circuit breakers are up to date.
Put reminders in your calendar to do quarterly check-ups on your safety switches.
Residual Current Devices can prevent electrocution by cutting the power flow fast enough. It is a good idea to have them installed at your home.
Organize a safety audit for your house with your local electrical company.

Electricity has really changed our lives for the better, but we can not forget the dangers of it. If we can remember to take caution and be safe around electricity, then we can continue to enjoy the conveniences it brings.