Tracy Did you know that there are 1,144,114 electricians in the United States?
Too often, we take electrical safety at home for granted, especially if the wiring in your house is older. You might think you don’t need to worry about power surges because you have a surge protector.
Keep reading to learn about how to prevent electric shock.
Contents
Understand Electricity Hazards
It is essential to understand electricity hazards on how to prevent electric shock when it comes to safety around electricity. If an appliance is old, worn out, or has frayed or exposed wires, do not use it. Be sure to unplug any electronics or appliances when not in use to avoid a potential hazard.
Do not perform any electrical repairs or installations yourself. Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, or circuits with too many devices or appliances. Be sure to hire this electrician for your safety.
Ground All Electrical Sources
Grounding all electrical sources is critical in preventing electric shock at home. This means connecting, or “grounding”, all exposed metal parts of the electrical installation. This helps create a safe environment and decreases the risk of an electric shock.
Grounding reduces the chances of an electric current taking an unintended path on a person or an appliance. When an outlet becomes loose or the wiring disconnects, grounding will direct the electrical current to the grounding bus bar rather than the person or device. Ensuring all circuits are adequately grounded reduces the risk and protects you from electric shocks.
Use Residual Current Device Protection
Electric shock is a severe safety hazard and can cause severe injury. Use a residual current device (RCD) to protect your home against electric shocks. RCDs detect dangerous levels of current and immediately cut off the power supply.
Taking extra precautions when working with any form of electricity is highly recommended. RCDs should be installed in homes next to or near switchboards. The device should be inspected regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly.s
Use Certified Electrical Equipment
Preventing electric shock at home starts with using certified electrical equipment. You should always check that any appliance you buy is certified by a safety labeling system. Make sure only to install certified equipment in your house.
Hire an electrician to inspect your home’s wiring. Never overload outlets. Always be aware of the risk of electric shock and take steps to ensure that all outlets, wiring, and equipment in your house are certified and up to date.
Keep Outlets and Plugs in Good Condition
Electric shock is a severe hazard that can occur in the home. Keep outlets, extension cords, and plugs in good condition. Outlets should be regularly checked for damage, corrosion, or wear.
Extension cords should be avoided wherever possible. Electrical plugs should unplug from electrical outlets when the appliance is not in use. By ensuring outlets, extension cords, and plugs are in good condition and not overloaded, you can help to ensure the safety of yourself and your family and prevent electric shock in the home.
Knowing How to Prevent Electric Shock
Always take preventative measures such as using locks, covers, switches, and circuit breakers to protect yourself at home. Be sure to educate yourself on how to prevent electric shock and practice proper safety when working with any electrical device. For more information on how to stay safe from electric shock, consult an electrician.
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