Electrical equipment may be extremely handy around the house assisting in our everyday lives, but there is a degree of danger associated. It’s imperative to have sufficient safety precautions set in place when using any electrical equipment, especially for novice DIY enthusiasts or ambitious homeowners working on home improvements.
An electrical project always carries a certain risk and danger so safety should be a top priority. This includes a basic knowledge on the proper operation of the equipment, complete with the implementation of sufficient safety measures. You should be particularly aware of personal precautions while handling electrical equipment.
When basic safety measures are properly exercised in time they become second nature, leaving you to concentrate on achieving a a job well done.
Tip 1 – Avoid Water
When using any electrical equipment, it is crucial to avoid water in any way, regardless of its amount. If there is a chance of water contact, it is highly recommended to put on good rubber boots first. Avoid standing or working on wet surfaces with electrical equipment.
Wet hands should not touch equipment that is located near electrical circuits as electric shocks are highly possible. Dry towels should be kept close by to dry your hands, thus preventing you from becoming a conduit for an electric current- never good!
Tip 2 – Live Wires Alert
A good safety precaution with electrical equipment is to check on live wires before starting work. An electrical current tester could detect the presence of live or hot wires, which could even include the metallic flap covers of the service panel.
It is dangerous to assume that electrical devices are switched off. Always check before usage. Disconnect the power source before handling the electrical equipment in any way.
Tip 3 – Apply the Right Fuse
Circuit breaker panel repairs should be executed with proper safety precautions and the right type of fuse to prevent a short circuit. Take a minute to identify the type of fuses required before you buy.
Tip 4 – Preventing Shocks
Electric shocks are unpleasant even if they are small doses. These should be prevented at all times by using small plastic caps to cover the bare ends of wires as you work on the project. These caps are excellent insulators of electricity to prevent electric shocks.
Tip 5 – Safety Equipment
Besides wearing rubber boots and rubber gloves, there is a host of other safety equipment which could be considered in any electrical project. Wooden or fiberglass ladders works well against electricity when working at height, while insulated handles are essential on electrical equipment.
