7 Things Everyone Should Know About Electrical Safety
We all use electrical equipment and devices in our day-to-day lives, from using the microwave to charging your cell phone. Even though you handle it every day, how much do you know about electrical safety while using these devices? For electricians, safety is of the utmost importance; however, we advise everyone to know the basics on how to prevent electricity-related incidents, such as electric shock and electrical fires. In this blog, we discuss seven safety tips to help you feel more confident using electrical appliances.
1. Keep Objects and Fingers out of Electrical Outlets
Human bodies are conductors of electricity, so coming in contact with a current will result in that current flowing through the body. This is why it is crucial to keep fingers and objects, such as forks or paperclips, out of outlets. Young children and babies are especially at risk of sticking their fingers in electrical outlets, so covering the outlets when they are not in use is essential to electrical safety.
2. Never Use Electrical Items Near Water
Remember how we mentioned that human bodies conduct electricity? Well, it turns out water is also a conductor, which means using electrical items near water is a big no-no. This is something many people are not always aware of; it is common to have your phone plugged in while you shower or blow dry your hair over the bathroom sink. However, plugging in a device that has been exposed to moisture increases the risk of electrical incidents such as electrocution, so it’s best to keep your devices away from water.
3. Unplug Electrical Devices by the Plug, Not the Cord
Do you know how to handle cords and plugs safely? Remember to always unplug your electrical devices directly by the plug rather than pulling on the cord until the plug comes loose. This might seem like a meaningless effort, but it is an important measure to prevent electrical fires in your home. Pulling on the cord of a device can damage it over time, which affects the wiring and increases the risk of electrical hazards.
4. Don’t Plug One Extension Cord Into Another
You might think plugging your extension cords into each other is a smart move, but doing this overloads the cable and makes it overheat, which can result in an electrical fire. Extension cords come in a variety of lengths, so if you need a longer one, you can easily find the length you need at your local hardware store. This way, you can have a cord that extends a long distance while also engaging in safe electrical work practices.
5. Keep Away From Substations and Power Lines
Overhead power lines and substations are sources of electricity, so avoid touching them or being too close to them. This means that if you are doing any type of manual work near a power line, such as trimming a tree, it is best to stop what you are doing and call a professional. Likewise, if an item, such as a kite, gets stuck close to a substation or overhead power line, never try to retrieve it on your own.
6. Use a Surge Protector for Electronic Devices (Or Better Yet, Invest in Home Surge Protection)
Surge protectors are important because, during power surges — this is when there is an increased voltage that comes in through outlets, often as a result of a storm — they ensure that unexpected voltage jumps don’t damage your devices. Even better than using surge protectors is investing in whole-home surge protection. Whole home surge protection will give you the peace of mind that your devices are safe from damage no matter what.
7. Know Where Your Electrical Panel is and Which Circuit Breakers Correspond to Which Areas of Your Home
The electrical panel is where all of your home’s circuit breakers are located. Usually, it will be covered by a door and is typically located in a basement, closet, or garage. A circuit breaker, also called a circuit interrupter, will trip (or turn off) if the circuit is overloaded. This often occurs if you’re using multiple devices simultaneously on the same circuit. Circuit trips might be inconvenient, but they are important! When a circuit trips, it works to prevent current overload and keeps you safe from electrical hazards like fires.
MMi Electrical is Here For All Your Current Needs!
If you want to go the extra mile to ensure your home is safe, MMi Electrical offers a free home safety evaluation with every service and repair call. We do high-quality, safe work so our customers can rest assured that they are 100% protected. Contact us today to learn about the electrical services we offer.