Common electrical hazards you should avoid

A guide to common electrical hazards, and how to avoid them.

The Most Common Electrical Hazards You Should Avoid

People’s dependence on electricity is undeniable. However, along with this reliance are possible electrical dangers that could harm those who are at home, in the office or in the factory. These hazards can be fortunately prevented or minimized through proper awareness and application of effective ways to get rid of electrical dangers. Taking preventive measures into consideration, seeking the help of qualified electricians are proven to be a good decision.

Listed below are some of the common dangerous hazards that are experienced in many homes these days:

Wiring and electrical wires

The quality of wiring is one the most important things that you need to check in your home. Ideally, it should follow the safety standards to ensure safety not only of your property and things inside the home but more importantly, your very own lives. Poor wiring increases the likelihood of fire, power surges as well as of other alarming consequences. Due to these possibilities, it is best to hire a skilled electrician rather than choosing to handle the electrical work yourself.

Outlets

How many outlets in your home are close to water? The areas in your home that contain water such as bathrooms and kitchens should have outlets installed at a considerable distance from the source of water. Since water is an electrical conductor, you are eliminating the risk of electric shock by keeping the outlets far from water.

Light bulbs

Light bulbs are often viewed as not dangerous. They are not considered as potential electrical threats. However, the danger begins when these light bulbs are positioned close to flammable materials such as beds, drapes, plastics as well as other similar items.

Cords and wires

Covering the wires heavily results to overheating the cords. Even though it rarely happens, covering the cords and wires too much causes electrical fires due to overheating. The reason behind this electrical fire is that cords and wires release heat. To ensure safety, keep the cords and wires separate from other items while leaving them uncovered.

Electrical fires

A usual mistake people commit is pouring water in case of electrical fires. When this happens in your home, do not pour water on the fire. Probably unknown to all, water tends to intensify flames. To avoid pouring water to electrical fires, you can place a fire extinguisher to where you can easily get hold of and use when the situation calls for it.

Extension cords

In order to avoid tripping over or any other kind of accident, extension cords must be kept in place properly.

Other electrical hazards

Aside from the hazards mentioned above, there are other factors that can increase electrical dangers. Toddlers, for instance, are understandably inquisitive and therefore very active in exploring the things around them. While parents want to protect their kids as much as they could, they couldn’t be looking after them round the clock. For this reason, it is best to take precautionary measures to make sure these young children are safe. Some measures include having the electrical outlets sealed with plastic closures, particularly those that they can reach and keeping them from holding sharp objects which they could insert into the socket. Not only kids, adults should also be careful when handling electrical-related work at home. Never ever hold any electrical appliance with wet hands as doing so can lead to electric shock. And when you are caught in between these electric hazards and do not know what else to do, bear in mind that a knowledgeable and skilled electrician is just a phone call away. You can call Service Central for an electrician on 1800 SERVICE (1800 737 842) or post a job request for an electrician here.

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