Electrical dangers are prevalent in any residential area, which can result in fires, injuries, or casualties. Most of these risks can be minimized and prevented by increasing awareness and practicing safety measures. This article is a guide to assist you in avoiding and recognizing electrical dangers and keeping your family safe from electrical dangers. To learn more in detail, keep reading.
1. Regularly Inspect Electrical Cords and Appliances
Electrical cords and appliances that are used should also be checked often to see whether or not they are in a good state. Search for any symptoms of abrasion primarily on the wires, usage of bad insulation, or evident bare conductors. Extension cords that have been damaged should be replaced to avoid shocks or fires possibly caused by them. Also, do not hide cords under the carpet or any furniture as this may harm the cords or it causes them to overheat.
2. Avoid Overloading Outlets
Failure to use a High Voltage Cabling power strip correctly by connecting multiple devices to the same outlet may result in overheating and consequently cause an electrical fire. This would make a lot of sense to consider using power strips with in-built circuit breakers to reduce the current draw per outlet by sharing the electrical loads. This calls for one to carefully read the manufacturer’s specifications on the appropriate wattage to be used on each outlet as well as ensure that one does not overload a particular outlet with high-wattage appliances.
3. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters which are used as safety devices to prevent the user from getting an electric shock since it switches off any circuit through which it senses that current is flowing through an improper route, say, through water or any human body.
It should be used in areas where an understanding of the environment shows that there is potential for water and electricity to mix, for instance in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and even in outdoor installations. Notably, to prevent GFCIs from failing at the wrong time, one should always ensure that they are tested periodically and emergency damaged electrical repairs are performed immediately.
4. Practice Safe Appliance Use
Appliances can also pose various electrical dangers if not used properly; therefore, proper handling of appliances can greatly minimize these dangers. It is also important to be very careful when using electricity and adhere to the instructions and safety measures provided by the manufacturers of the various appliances. Unplug each appliance when not in use.
All appliances should not be closed to water. Check that appliances are being serviced and any faults such as malfunctioning are being fixed by the appropriate professionals. Do not use appliances with frayed or exposed wires, these pose a serious risk of electrocution.
5. Educate Your Household on Electrical Safety
Every individual in a household must ensure that he or she avoids electrical hazards. Educate children on electrical risks and the reason why they should not touch the sockets or handles of electrical appliances with bare hands. It is usually advisable to briefly go over safety standards and perform drills at least now and then to make sure everyone is aware of the best course of action to take in an electrical crisis.
