Did you know that the minutest electrical mistake can cost you your life or your home? Errors done during the installation or maintenance of electrical appliances can cost you financially or emotionally this is why it is crucial that you put your mind right where your safety is. Electrical safety is now more important than ever.
Handling electrical devices or equipment outdoors requires doubled efforts when it comes to safety. Find appliances that you can take with you outdoors because they are waterproof. As much as you can, never expose them to snow or rain. There are times when waterproof products fail to deliver so it is best to be safe than sorry.
The bathroom should never be a place where you install or store electrical products. Even when the electrical source is located far enough from the water source, it is still not safe to mix the two together. But then, again, it is inevitable at times so you just have to do something to keep water and electricity from ever mixing.
The Hottest Tips in Electrical Safety
- Keep the microwave, oven toaster, blender, and just about any type of electrical appliance away from the kitchen sink.
- Never handle any kind of electrical appliance when your hands are still wet. Wiping your hands dry may not save you next time. Just to be on the safe side, it is better to have your hands air dried prior to handling any appliance.
- Teach kids in your home to respect electricity because it is not a power to be meddled with. You must be consistent with what you tell them not to do.
- Do not allow your kids to operate complex appliances. If they have to handle any kind of electrical appliance, be sure to supervise them at all times.
- Keep the electrical outlets covered when not in use. This is so no kid will be able to poke them when you are busy doing something else in your home. As much as possible, the appliances must never be within any kid’s reach.
- It is a no-no to overload outlets and extension wires.
- If you have to use an electrical appliance that gobbles up electricity, then plug them at the nearest outlet. Never plug them in outlets where major appliances are already connected to. Remember that octopus connections can cause the worst fires.
- Be sure to clean your electrical appliances on a regular basis. Before you do this, though, just ascertain that they are no longer plugged in. You might also need to disassemble a few components. Do not disturb an appliance’s electrical circuit. Hire an electrician if you do not have ample experience with this.
- When buying appliances, make sure that each is able to meet the safety requirements for use in the country. Appliances that were bought outside of the U.S. may not be usable inside the country.
- Be sure to hire a contractor when installing fixed appliances that are not plugged into sockets.
- In order to prevent electrocution, be sure that your home has proper earthing systems. Appliances without earthing must at least be doubly insulated.
- One of the first things that you need to look for when opening a new appliance is the operation manual. Remember that the assembly and operation procedures are often stated there. Make sure to follow the instructions correctly.
- Check an electrical appliance before you use it. Find any component that might not be working so that it can be addressed right away.
- Be sure to have electrical appliances fitted with sturdy structures for a more stable operation.
These and many more electrical safety precautions must be carried out in your home at all times. Without them, you or your loved ones could easily end up injured – or dead.