Although electricity is very useful in our homes, it is crucial to understand electrical safety. This is because electricity presents huge safety problems if not handled properly. At least 73% of electrocutions happen in the home.
Injuries that can result from electric currents
Electrical injuries occur when the body becomes part of the electric circuit. Human beings can be part of the electric circuit because we are more conductive than the ground we stand on. The current therefore goes through the body, causing injuries.
Electric injuries are generally divided into four:
- electrocution
- electric shock
- burns
- and falls.
Why You Need Electrical Safety at Home
The number of accidents and electricity-related accidents in the home makes it a primary target to learn about electrical safety. Dangers at home are exacerbated because all electrical systems and appliances are an electrical disaster waiting to happen.
The electric power in the home is powerful enough to cause third-degree damage or lead to fatalities. It is necessary to take precautions to secure the home, especially due to the children at home who are oblivious of the risks possessed by electricity and where the dangers may be lurking.
Ways of enhancing electrical safety at home
There are many ways of ensuring that the home is safe and hospitable, this will reduce the risk of electrical accidents. Some of the most prominent methods of enhancing electrical safety are:
Child-proofing your home
Children are at the highest risk of electrical accidents at home as toddlers are oblivious to the danger while older children are more playful; hence you need to protect them. You can start reducing the temptation of curious kids sticking foreign objects in power outlets or plugs by securing unused outlets. While some parents use plastic inserts to secure the outlets, kids can pull them off and even stick them in the mouth.
You can use safety outlets that prevent foreign objects from being stuck into the electrical outlet or block the outlets neatly behind furniture like seats. You can also hide temporary extension cords using furniture. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture as they can overheat and cause tripping hazards.
You should ensure you store electric and electronic appliances out of the reach of children. Some electrical appliances and devices search as desktops contain static charges that can be fatal. Be particularly careful with kitchen and bathroom, and kitchen appliances which they are used regularly.
Avoid contact with overhead power lines.
It is in your best interest and that of your entire family to avoid working near power lines. Treating every power line as if it was alive wire to help keep the home safe.You have to be equally wary of the location of power cables when using extension ladders or long handheld tools to avoid brushing them and risk electrocution. You have to stay away from electrical equipment such as transformers, substations, and electric poles. Keep kids safe by ensuring they do not fly kites near overhead powerlines.
You should report any broken polls or trees on poles to your local power station That because powerlines can discharge power through the air or trees and sometimes may electrocute people who are too close.
Install lightning arresters
Electric safety in your home includes the outdoors when using electrical equipment and electronics and general electrical safety of the home. Outdoors pose a great challenge as you never really know what electric accident will befall you.
You have to protect your home from lightning with a lightning arrester. During thunderstorms, ensure that your family is safe in the house.
Wear protective gear
Take safety prediction when operating electric machinery like lawn mowers and hedge clippers by wearing protective clothing like closed-toe shoes that act as insulators to the ground to reduce chances of being electrocuted.
Electrical Safety Indoors
Apart from the steps you take to protect the children, you have to take safety precautions to reduce things like electric fire in the home by checking all connections and appliances. Ensure you are using the right wattage for all-electric fixtures in the home. Check the rating of the lamps and appliances to ensure that they are appropriate.
Power extension cables are sometimes seen as invincible in the home that leads them to be abused. However, overloading a power cable or outlet can lead to heating and, at times, electric fires. Ensure all outlets are cool to touch and have protective faceplates.
Repair and Replace Damaged Electric Cords
Damaged power cords pose a danger of fires and electrocution to homes. All the power and extension cord should be inspected regularly for signs of damage, fraying, or cracking and replaced when necessary. Be careful to check any cords next to furniture as they can break the insulation.
Electrical safety at home is everyone’s responsibility within the home. You should follow all the safety instructions and only employ a qualified electrician such as ElecSmith to fix all electrical installations.
