We cannot imagine a life without electricity today but maintaining a well-functioning electric connection is a tough job.
There are a number of things that you will need to be careful about. That includes keeping a check on all the wiring lines, making notes of any malfunctioning devices and ensuring that there are no liquids near electrical outlets.
Now, if there are pets or kids in the house, then you will have to be extra careful. There are child-proof electric plugs and well-guarded wiring that can be used for safety.
In this guide, we will be talking about electric connections and how to maintain them properly. Pay attention to every point to ensure that you do not have any fatal incidents at home.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
You can help your family stay safe by keeping the following points in mind.
1. No Contact With Water
The electrical parts and appliances should not be in touch with water at all, so make sure that the cords and extensions are not kept directly on the ground. They may come in contact with water that is leaking from plants or other cooling devices. And extension outlets should be kept on a table or a raised stool to ensure safety.
2. Proper Maintenance
If you notice a sagging power line or one lying on the ground, do not touch it. Call up your local distributor immediately and ask for help, as these may be live wires, which can electrocute you and cause fatal accidents.
Moreover, always check cords in the house to see if they are in perfect condition. In case you see frayed or worn-out wires, immediately call up electricians to get them fixed. If they are connected to any appliance, then avoid using it before the electricians take a look.
3. Avoiding Shocks
Shocks or sparks are an indication that a line is not working normally. In case of a tingle, shock or spark, immediately switch off the device and contact a trained electrician. It is best to not try and handle this situation on your own to prevent complications or unnecessary accidents.
Also, do not try using an appliance that is not working well. Make sure you do not poke your fingers inside them to find the source of the problem. For example, if the toaster is not functioning properly and you poke your fingers in, you might get hurt.
Allow an electrician to handle such issues as they are already trained to do so.
4. Wearing Rubber Soles
Rubber soles are best worn around wet places where you might be working. This includes gardens with artificial lighting as well as laundry rooms.
5. Prevent Overloading
We are all guilty of using more than one power adapter with a multi-plug, and that can be dangerous. The power board may not be strong enough to handle the huge power demand required by two or three appliances. And the overload can cause damage to the power board as well as the appliances attached.
So, ask an electrician about the power capacity of every power board in the house and ensure that you never exceed that.
6. Using Child-Safe Plugs
If you have children in the house, the chances are that they will try poking their fingers into power outlets. This is extremely unsafe, and you need to be careful, so try using child-proof plugs for the outlets that the kids will not be able to play with.
7. Installing Safety Switches
Ask an experienced electrician to install safety switches in the meter box. In case of sparking from any appliance, you will need to switch these off to protect the house.
Also, do not try to install these or fix sparks yourself, as you may not know the exact process and can end up getting hurt.
8. Switching Off Devices Before Cleaning
Gadgets need to be cleaned often to ensure proper performance but make sure they are unplugged from the power source before beginning the maintenance work.
9. Using Extension Cords Outside
There are specific extension cords that are meant for outdoor use, and it is essential you only use these. Do not take indoor extension cords outside as they may not be able to handle additional loads.
10. Finding The Right Drilling Spot
If you need to drill into walls, it is best to call up professionals for the job. That is because there are electrical lines that run underneath the top surface, and if you hit any of them by mistake, there will be major issues.
11. Turning Off Gadgets
In case you are leaving the house, make sure all the electrical appliances are turned off, including air conditioners, ovens and heaters.
12. Keeping Sufficient Space
Remember to leave space near devices that generate heat as they work. The space will prevent overheating and ensure that there is perfect ventilation. Also, the heat can dissipate, and the appliances will not get hot easily.
FINAL WORDS
If you are purchasing a new house, then learn about the underground power lines that are placed in your area. You can call up the local authorities to know more about them, which will be helpful in case you plan to dig or install new fixtures.
Also, get electricians to check all the connections around the house before settling in. That way, any faulty wiring can be detected and repaired before any of your family members touch it. Remember that electrical connections need to be maintained often, and it is best to conduct a full check every few months to prevent accidental fires from malfunctioning devices.
With this, we have reached the end of this guide, and it is time for us to wrap up. Follow the above tips, and we are sure that you will not face any problems. Stay safe, and see you soon!