Tips from a qualified Electrician Parramatta – Electricity has become an inevitable part of our daily lives so much that the slightest disruption to a home’s or business’s electrical supply can cause all essential activities and operations to come to a grinding halt. We use electrical appliances in our homes and businesses to light up spaces, cook food, and operate electrical and electronic appliances. However, as useful as electricity is, it is also incredibly dangerous to use. Here we look at some essential electrical safety tips around the home to ensure safe use and avoid disasters such as electrical shock and even death.
Electrical Risks and Dangers
Wrong handling of electricity can lead to serious risks to people and fixtures and fittings within the home. These risks can lead to real dangers to people and property.
When we contact any high voltage source enough to cause the flow of current through our body, we are at risk of suffering from deep tissue and nerve damage. The human body can detect as little as one mA of electricity, with 80 mA being enough to cause a heart attack.
Some common electrical hazards in the home include:
- Damaged wire insulation
- Exposed electrical components and parts
- Faulty wiring which causes electrical fires due to faulty wiring,
- Improper grounding
- Improper interaction with overhead power lines
- Live wires that cause electric shock and burns
- Overloaded circuits
- Potentially flammable materials, which ignite electrical fires
- Wet conditions near electrical appliances
These electrical dangers are real risks in the home and can cause serious burns, falls, and shocks, resulting in bone, deep tissue, heart, nerve, and brain damage. In the very worst scenario, these electrical hazards can be fatal.
Common Signs to Identify Electrical Faults
They are many signs that can be used to identify electrical faults to avoid putting lives in danger and risking property damage. Knowing these signs saves you thousands in expensive repair costs and can even save lives.
Common signs of potential electrical faults in the home include:
- Arc faults or electrical circuits veering off-path
- Flickering or buzzing lights
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Hot ceiling fixtures
- Loose outlets
- Odd and unfamiliar smells
- Warm or sparking outlets and switches
Ensure that you call in a qualified electrician in Parramatta to carry out immediate maintenance on your light fixtures, electrical wiring, built-in exhausts, vents and electrical appliances as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Top 10 Electrical Safety Tips From an Electrician in Parramatta
A crucial part of electrical maintenance is knowing the key electrical safety tips to avoid accidents and property damage. Some top electrical tips in the home include:
1. Do not overload electrical outlets
Ensure that you have any hot outlets checked by a professional electrician in Parramatta for overloading to avoid electrical fires.
Put off electrical appliances immediately if the outlet begins to overheat, and make it a routine practice to plug in one heat-producing appliance at a time into an outlet.
2. Carry out routine electrical testing and certification
Every 3 – 6 months, get a qualified electrician to test each piece of portable appliance in your home for proper function as per the AS/NZS 3760 that oversees the Test and Tag industry regarding electrical safety. This standard sets out recommendations that govern the testing of low voltage, 240V, and 3-phase electrical equipment.
3. Do not use electrical appliances with damaged insulation
Observe warning signs and always look at damaged insulation when handling electrical appliances and equipment in the home. Never attempt to DIY-repair uncovered electrical appliances and get a professional to do the job when in doubt.
4. Always observe open-air electricity safety
Observe outdoor electrical safety to avoid electrical fires, shocks, and more.
Confirm that you are using the right electrical appliance or tool for outdoor activities; these electrical appliances should be heavily fixed to avoid moisture from seeping in. Also, stay 10 feet away from the power line to avoid electrocution, and use the right attire like gloves, special suits, and safety boots for your protection.
5. Never use an appliance with a plug or cord around water
Water and electricity do not mix.
Keep electrical appliances such as blow driers, kettles, toasters, tongs, and anything with a plug or cord away from water to avoid getting shocked.
6. Keep unused appliances unplugged to reduce the risk
One of the most straightforward electrical safety tips is to unplug electrical appliances when not in use. This way, you not only save power but protect your appliance from overheating or power surges.
7. Never climb on power poles or stations
Stay away at all costs from power poles or sub-stations. These high voltage fixtures can easily shock you if any of the live wires are faulty or exposed.
8. Keep electrical cords tidy to reduce the risk of damage
Store electrical cords safely to prevent damage. Use electrical cord wrapping for your TV and other wires, and store unused electrical cords away from children and pets who may chew on them.
Avoid wrapping electrical cords tightly around objects as this can cause strain which could lead to overheating.
9. Give all electrical appliances the proper spacing to avoid overheating
Without the proper air circulation, electrical appliances in the home can overheat and short out.
Ensure that all your appliances have the proper airflow around them by avoiding practices such as running electrical equipment in enclosed spaces like pantries and cabinets keeping appliances less than a foot from the wall.
Additionally, always store flammable objects away from all electronics and appliances and electronics.
10.Teach your kids about electrical safety tips in the home
Do not allow children to play next to an electrical appliance or power line unattended or otherwise, as these activities can be incredibly risky.
Teach your children how to handle electrical appliances with recommended practices such as:
- Never fly kites near a power line.
- Never pull a plug out by its cord or chew cords.
- Never .putting fingers or metal objects like forks and knives into electrical outlets.
Electrical Safety Tips From an Electrician Parramatta
The best way to stay safe in the home while using electricity is to check that the electricity you are using has no faults. By following the above electrical safety tips, you can avoid common hazards and dangers like electrical fires and shocks.
If you need a thorough electrical assessment in your Sydney home, or more information about electrical safety tips, the licensed electricians at Saunders Electrical Group are readily available to help.
Contact our friendly team online or call 1300 993 560 to schedule your appointment.