Electricity is a necessity, but that does not negate its dangers. There are some precautions that you would need to practice when you are working with electricity or regularly coming in contact with electricity.
Luckily, there are many ways in which an electrician in Fort Worth can ensure protection from any possible electrical accidents that might occur at home or in the workplace.
Following are some tips that will help you prevent electrical accidents at your house:
Check the Wattage
The wattage of your appliances and electrical fixtures is different, so they should be used in sockets or plugs that support the wattage needed. Checking to see the wattage will help you prevent short circuits and unnecessary sparks. If there is no wattage mentioned, it is better to use a 60-watt bulb or anything lesser than that for a light fixture and a bulb of 25 watts or less wattage for a ceiling fixture. You can also opt for LED bulbs as they do not consume as much energy and do not overheat as much as other bulbs.
Additional Resource: What Is the Difference Between a Magnetometer, Gaussmeter, and Teslameter?
Check the Electrical Outlets Regularly
All your electrical outlets should be cool to the touch if they are not in use for extended periods. If you feel overheating in the electrical outlet, it is probably because of the overloading of the circuit. It may be another more dangerous issue, however, in which case you should get in touch with Chesapeake Electric or a similar professional electrician in your area as soon as you can to ensure your home is safe. In the meantime, turn off your electrical supply and check the outlet for obvious issues like cracks or burns. It would help if you keep the following things in mind when it comes to checking the electrical outlets:
- Refrain from using extension cords and multi-plugs as much as possible.
- If you are plugging in a heat-producing appliance, make sure there is only one appliance plugged in at a time.
- If a plug point is heating up while in use, have it checked by a licensed professional.
- Opt for smart plugs as they can monitor the power loading and also shut off any appliance which is causing overheating of the electrical outlet.
If you are unsure you can always consult a professional electrician for advice. It’s best to shop around as there are many companies out there, for example you may wish to consider electrician malvern, or a similar company in your area, to to perform this evaluation for you.
Do Something About Those Damaged Electrical Cords
A damaged electrical cord could mean the power line is faulty as it may cause serious damage to your electrical appliance. On the other hand, an electrical cable that has the outer layering damaged can cause sparks and then fire. There is also a fair chance of electrocution if the damaged electrical cords at home are ignored.
This can be prevented if you pay attention to your electrical cords and regularly check their condition. If you see any fraying or signs of distress, opt for covering up the area with electric tape if the damage is negligible or change the wires or cords altogether if there is significant damage to be seen. Refrain from stapling power cords or keeping them under carpets, rugs, or furniture at home. You can trip over the cords, they can overheat, and when put under furniture, the integrity of these electrical cords can be seriously damaged.
If you have too many electrical cords running the length and breadth of your house, consider asking an electrician of Drysdale to add more power outlets to your house.
Remember to Unplug Unused Appliances
This is a very basic idea that anyone will give you if you begin talking about electrical safety. Remember to switch off any appliance which is not in use that can include your fans and lights. But when we talk about electrical appliances that are plugged in, the same rules apply along with one addition: unplug the appliance after switching it off.
Unplugging is important because it saves power that might be draining from the switch even after switching the appliance off and protects your appliances from unexpected power surges and the possibility of overheating. This is a tip that you will have to make a habit of to prevent any electrical accidents from happening at your house. You should also consider installing switchgear through medium voltage switchgear manufacturers as it protects your home and your appliances from accidental damage.
Keep Away From Water
Pretty obvious. Right? No. When we are comfortable in our own space, we tend to forget some safety precautions that we should always keep in mind. Some examples of our carelessness while at home include washing our hands and then using those wet hands to turn off switches, or fiddling with electrical wires, and doing minor electrical repairs without switching off the appliance first.
No one will intentionally splash water on their electrical appliances, but such accidental contact should also be prevented through constant vigilance. Some things that you should keep away from electrical appliances and electrical outlets are flower pots, fish bowls, and your shower area. Keep any electrical enclosures in your home away from water as well.
Allow for Air Circulation
With big appliances like the television screen, the computer system, and the refrigerator, some added precautions need to be practiced. For example, you would need to keep these appliances some distance away from the wall or to other nearby furniture to allow air to circulate.
No air circulation will cause overheating, which can cause short circuits and potential electricity-related accidents. Do not keep your electrical appliances in wooden or otherwise enclosed cabinets. Make sure there is no drapery or other objects that can become a fire hazard if put near an electrical appliance.
Read All Instructions and Follow Them
Whenever you buy an electrical appliance or electrical supplies, make it a habit to read the instructions on the packet or on the pamphlet that comes with it. More often than not, the instructions will be similar to what you are already familiar with. Other times, there might be some additional instructions or safety precautions that are specific to a particular supply or appliance. Follow the instructions and the precautions mentioned and in case you encounter a problem, stop using it immediately and seek professional assistance.
Conclusion
Taking care of your possessions, your electrical appliances, and your home has many overlapping practices. A little vigilance will help you maintain the safety of everyone in the household. If you follow the little tips mentioned above, you will successfully protect your house from electric accidents.
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