7 Electrical Safety Tips That All Homeowners Must Practice

Around 20 Australian homeowners die each year due to the unprotected handling of electrical equipment and connections. And what is sad about this is that most of such accidents could have been avoided if the homeowners had taken adequate safety measure while handling electrical wiring and appliances. Though most people believe that they have the basic know-how of safely handling electricity, the truth is that most homeowners barely have a good understanding of such things. In this post, we look at seven electrical safety tips that all homeowners must practice.

Handling Appliances

All electrical appliances in your home such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, etc. have to be regularly checked to ensure that they are in good condition. Watch out for any plugs, switches, or wiring that have been damaged, and replace them immediately. If the switches or plugs are dirty, you should remove the dirt and wipe them clean. However, never use water for cleaning. It is best to only wipe the plugs with a dry cloth. If you use water, then the moisture might get inside the plugs and when you switch on the device, it might result in an electrical problem. Now, if you think that an appliance has developed a problem that is beyond your ability to repair, hire a good electrician without delay. If you are in Sydney, AU, search for your electrician in Inner West and get the problem resolved.

Power Boards

Most of us use many electrical devices at home, so it is normal that we will be using multiple power boards in order to use those devices simultaneously. However, caution must be exercised when connecting multiple appliances to the power board. To be on the safe side, it is better to not overload the power board by connecting too many devices to it. So, if the power board has the option to connect four devices, limit your connections to three devices. Use the fourth connection only when it is absolutely necessary. Continuous use of all the connections of the power board too can result in electrical issues. If you see any discoloration or scorching on the power board, that is definitely an indication that you have to replace it very soon. And always ensure that you only use power boards that come with overload switches.

Power Lines

Power lines carry a huge voltage and therefore, pose the biggest risk to homeowners. As a matter of fact, overhead power lines were found to be the major cause of electrocution among Australian homeowners. So, it makes sense that you are extra careful when around them. The easiest way to avoid any power line accidents is to clear out all branches handing over the lines. Plus, during the rainy season, it is better to keep yourself away from power lines altogether.

Safety Switches

 

Safety switches play a key role in ensuring the electrical safety of homeowners. However, it is a depressing fact that they are not that popular with many people. In fact, it is estimated that almost 40% of Australian homes do not use safety switches which, in turn, put them at greater risk of electrical accidents. Do you belong to that 40%? Then make sure that you install the necessary safety switches as soon as possible.

Cords

It is inevitable that you will be using cords to connect various electrical devices and appliances. And generally, these cords are left dangling from the wall to the floor. Some cords might even stretch all across the floor, from one side of the wall to the other. This is indeed dangerous. In fact, there is a good chance that you or your family members might trip over them and fall down. And in the worst case scenario, you might even be stunted by the electricity if the cord is damaged and the outer insulation layer is exposed.  This is why it is necessary that the cords in your home are always tightly placed around the walls. This will avoid the risk of tripping. And when connecting the cords, make sure that the connection has been made properly. You should also see to it that the connections are protected from weather conditions like rain, wind, etc.

Infinity Electrical Cables

In many parts of Australia, the sale and installation of infinity electrical cables have been prohibited.  It was found that the PVC material that was used as the insulation in these electrical cables did not comply with the country’s safety standards. What this essentially means is that infinity cables will deteriorate faster than regular electrical cables, posing a greater risk to the people living in a home. If your home has used infinity electrical cables, then you should contact the nearest electrician and get your home checked. They will be able to determine whether the cables pose any immediate risk and when they must be replaced.

Water Presence

Be very wary of water around electrical components and connections. If you use any electrical appliance near areas that are wet, ensure that you only do so wearing rubber slippers. This will protect you from any electrical accidents. And make sure that the extension cords you use don’t come into contact with water. If any area of the cord is exposed and comes into contact with water when the cord is connected, that can turn out to be pretty dangerous, especially if kids are running around the home. Plus, if you use any portable electric heaters, keep them outside the bathroom. Using such electrical heaters can also cause accidents if not properly handled. In the same way, be very careful when using electric devices like hair dryers, electric shavers, etc. inside the bathroom.

Most of the deaths due to electrocution have been observed in males aged between 30 to 39 years, with a very high frequency seen in New South Wales. Follow the above suggestions and you will be able to successfully avoid potential electrical accidents. Plus, if you think that any electrical job is risky, do yourself a favor and never attempt to do it. Instead, call in electrical experts to handle such situations.