Top 7 Rules For Electric Safety


 

Electricity has spurred the exponential growth of technology. It has helped us achieve feats of wonder no steam engine could ever hope to match. As of today, all power sources that humanity has thought of have been geared towards producing more and more electricity for our own consumption.

History

The presence of electricity has been common knowledge since antiquity. People have always been fascinated with the occurrence of lighting, often associating it with magic and supernatural beings. The renaissance age has also seen a leap forward in controlling electricity to some extent. By rubbing amber on a piece of cloth, people derived entertainment out of seeing hairs and feathers sticking to it. It was only when Benjamin Franklin flew his world famous kite during a nasty storm that the role of electricity towards human development took a serious and significant turn.

Franklin's experiment proved that lighting is a form of electricity, albeit a powerful one. Succeeding minds began experimenting with electrical power until one such inventor by the name of Thomas Edison succeeded in using electric power in powering a simple light bulb, and as they say, the rest is history.

Electrical safety

Like all good things, the excellent benefits of electricity are similarly balanced by its potential to cause harm. The higher the voltage, the more dangerous it becomes. The electricity that flows through our homes and business establishments have the capacity to cause major injuries and even death. Because of this danger, we are trained as young kids to be extra cautious when handling electrical appliances at home.

People are harmed by electricity when they become part of the electrical flow or circuit, and since humans are unlucky enough to be good conductors of electricity, accidental exposure to live wires and current is very much possible. There are four types of injuries caused by electricity: electric shock, burns, falls, and electrocution.

Tips for Electrical Safety

In order to avoid any of the injuries mentioned above, certain precautions should be practiced.  To prevent any injury, the best precaution is to avoid touching any electrical source and appliance, offering a more natural route for electricity to flow other than the body.

1. Detect damaged wires and equipment.

Before each use, make sure to inspect that the plugs and cords of an electrical appliance, extension cord, electrical fittings for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If such things are detected, repair or replace the damaged equipment or forgo from using it altogether.

2. Don't overload.

Never use an electrical outlet to power more than two appliances at a time. This could lead to overloading and is one main reason behind the electrical fire in homes and businesses. Also, avoid using octopus plugs. Some of these plugs are rated very poorly and could encourage others to plug more than the recommended equipment into one plug.

3. Stow away electrical cords and wires.

Make sure that electrical cords and wires are tucked away safely and not visible or exposed for people to trip over or for pets to chew on.

4. Handle electrical equipment with dry hands.

Never handle electrical equipment with wet or damp hands. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and could lead to shock, or worse, electrocution.

5. Pull from the plug, not the cord.

Do not yank electric cords from an outlet. Instead, pull the plug itself. Pulling just the cord could damage not only the appliance but could also damage the insulation and expose the wire.

6. Avoid using extension wires as much as possible.

Only use extension cords that are properly rated for the intended use. And never use an extension cord to power a large appliance like a refrigerator or air conditioning unit.

7. Be aware of where circuit breakers are.

Always be aware where the panel and circuit breakers are located at home or in an establishment in case of emergency.
 

Author Bio:

Kerry Brooks is a passionate blogger and informative content writer, who loves to write about home improvement, remodelling and restoration. She is currently working with EMFURN, one of the leading retailers of inspired retro modern furniture, modern furniture and industrial furniture.

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