Electric Safety Tips Every Family Should Follow
Electricity has made our lives easy and comfortable. Almost all the devices and appliances we use today run on electricity. The air conditioners we use to keep our homes cool and warm run on power. Our life runs around the appliances and gadgets that run on electricity.
Our computers, phones, lights, fans, microwave ovens, and even wireless devices need electricity to function. One cannot imagine a daily routine without power. However, there are many risks associated with the use of electricity.
There are risks of electric shock and fires associated with the use of electricity and electric appliances. However, most people are not aware of the risks and do not consider using it safely. Let us check some electrical safety tips that every family must follow at their home and other places.
Use the appliances correctly
The appliances you use at home should always be of good quality. Never buy cheap and low-quality appliances as they can get worn within a few months and can cause a short circuit or fire. The devices such as televisions, computers and refrigerator that generate heat should be kept with some space from the walls for free circulation of air.
Use the devices in stock condition
Do not perform any upgrades or modifications on the electric appliances and use them in stock condition and follow the instructions as recommended by the manufacturer. Any modification or upgrade can reduce the safety of the device and also lead to violation of warranty.
Using electricity in wet environments
You should not operate any electric switch or appliance with wet hands or bare feet or while standing in water. One needs to be careful while using electrical devices in the bathroom as there is a high risk of electric shocks in the wet environments.
Don’t overload the outlets
Many people overload electric outlets by plugging in multiple devices. This overloads the electrical circuit, and it leads to overheating and burning of the wires. Also, keep all the outlets covered when not in use for protection of kids and pets. There should be no loose wires or open boards that can be accessed by the children.
Light bulbs
Light bulbs are the devices that every house and other place use for lighting. It is essential to use the correct power of light bulbs as using a high power bulb on a light fixture can overheat the fixture. Forget the incandescent bulbs that cause a lot of heat and start using the energy efficient CFL and LED bulbs. They consume low electricity and do not overheat the fixtures.
Always install the light bulbs tightly in the fixtures, and a loosely fitted lamp can cause sparks and shorts. The light bulb should not flicker at any time. If you see a light bulb flickering, it means that it is faulty or loose fitted into the fixture. You need to replace the bulb or fixture for proper fitting.
Use of Electric Cords
The electric cords should be used as recommended for the electrical appliances only. Always use the cables for the installation of electrical devices and not for other purposes such a jump ropes or cloth lines etc. You need to check the cords regularly for any cuts, cracks or kinks and cover them adequately with insulation tapes.
Use the extension cords as minimum as possible as they can overload a circuit. Use proper length and weight of extension cord and use it on correct voltage outlets whether indoor or outdoor.
Outdoor electrical safety
In addition to the indoor protection, you need to consider outdoor electrical safety as well. Do not pant the trees or shrubs near the power lines. If you have any electric lines near your house make sure your trees do not interfere with them. Prune the trees regularly and make sure they do not reach the power lines.
Do not fly any balloons, kites or model aircraft near the power lines. Never try to approach or touch a downed power line; instead, inform the authorities about such issues as soon as possible. Moreover, you should not allow your children to play in a park or areas with electric lines.
Do not stand or park vehicles near a transformer as they comprise high electromagnetic fields that are bad for human health.
Electrical Maintenance
You need to maintain your electrical fixtures and appliances regularly to keep them in safe and good working condition. Do not use outdated appliances or worn wires in a circuit. In case of any electrical problems call a professional to get it fixed immediately. Any delay in the maintenance of electrical circuits can lead to accidents.
Final Words
In addition to these tips for electrical safety at home, you need to take care of the installation of appliances. Always get the appliances and new circuits installed by qualified professionals like electrical contractors QLD Australia. Considering the electrical safety tips in this post can help every family to make their house a safe place to live.
