Electricity is an essential component of modern life. If not treated with respect, it can be destructive. Hundreds of people die each year because of electrocution from various power tools and cables.
As you may have guessed, the goal is to raise awareness about the importance of educating oneself about proper safety precautions and ground rules when working with electricity. Even the tiniest oversight or lapse in judgement can be utterly devastating when dealing with electricity.
People must understand that their safety is paramount. For example, an electrical consultant in Singapore suggests that workplaces train employees on how to deal with electricity and what precautions to take to avoid injuries and deaths.
When working with electricity, it is critical to follow all safety precautions. There must be no compromises in terms of safety, and the ground rules must be adhered to first. The following basic guidelines for safe electricity handling will help you when working with electricity.
Always turn off the electricity.
Always turn off the power at the breaker box if you have an electrical problem. Before you begin, double-check that the outlet, fixture, or switch is off. Then connect something, turn it on, and test it with a tester. Cutting the power and testing the circuit will only take a few seconds. An electrical professional or engineer would always recommend you to turn off the mains before working on any plug socket in your home. It’s also a good reason to place a sign on the service panel so that no one accidentally turns on the power switch.
Observe all energy-dependent appliances.
Exposed energised parts and unguarded electrical equipment that may become energised unexpectedly are examples of electrical hazards. Warning labels such as “Shock Risk” are always present on such equipment. Always be aware of such signs and adhere to the safety regulations established by the electrical engineering services.
Make your outlets child-proof.
Install outlet covers if there is even a remote possibility that children will be present in your home. The best option is to use spring-loaded covers that automatically close when outlets are unused.
Use rubberised gloves.
Make sure you always have a pair of insulated rubber gloves with you if you work on outlets. When working with electrical circuits or branch circuits, always wear a safety helmet. You should never handle anything at work with your bare hands.
Check flickering lights.
A flickering light usually indicates that loose wires exist somewhere in the fixture or circuit. Or it’s possible that the bulb has come loose and there isn’t a steady supply of electricity. Adjust the bulb’s tension. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to hire an electrical professional or engineer.
Arc-fault circuit interrupters should be installed.
Arc faults cause a lot of fires in private homes every year, according to the Electrical Safety Council International, killing and injuring hundreds of people. Arc-fault circuit interrupters aid in the prevention of such fires. Install these in your home with the help of an electrical professional and engineer.
Have a fire extinguisher on hand that is appropriate for any given situation.
Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Sediment in the water conducts electricity. Pouring water on an electrical fire can cause deadly shock to those attempting to extinguish the flames. Instead, have a fire extinguisher made for electrical fires on hand.
Make use of multiple outlets.
Do you have more than two things plugged into an outlet? You most likely have several things plugged into an outlet strip; this is not a safe setup. To avoid overloading one outlet, distribute small appliances and electronic devices to multiple outlets. Alternatively, have an electrical engineering services provider install additional outlets in that area.
Don’t fix electrical equipment without checking safety.
Repairing electrical equipment on your own is never a good idea. Always use a tester to make sure it’s safe before using it. When an electric tester comes into contact with a live or hot wire, the tester’s bulb illuminates, indicating that an electrical current is flowing through the wire. Before you start working, use an electrical tester to check all of the wires, the service panel’s outer metallic covering, and any other hanging wires.
Feel the surface of your outlets.
Feel the outlets around your house religiously. They should all be cool to the touch. If you discover a warm or hot outlet, turn off the circuit at the breaker box and contact an electrical consultant in Singapore right away. You don’t want to deal with electrical issues of this magnitude.
Long-term use of extension cords is not recommended.
When you need electricity in a location where there isn’t a readily available outlet, an extension cord should be considered a temporary solution. An extension cord should never be used as a long-term solution. Either relocate the item closer to an outlet or install an additional outlet where the item is required.
Metal ladders should be avoided.
If the electrical professional engineer is working on a plug socket at a height in your house, don’t give them an aluminium or steel ladder. They will be grounded when an electrical surge occurs, and the entire electric current will pass through the body. Instead, let them use a bamboo, wooden, or fibreglass ladder.
Ground fault circuit interrupters should be installed.
When a ground-fault circuit interrupter detects current being diverted due to a short circuit or insulation problem, it switches off. This protects people from electric shocks and helps to prevent fires caused by electrical faults. In bathrooms and kitchens, GFCI devices should be installed.
If you have any doubts, contact an electrical consultant in Singapore.
It’s alluring to try to fix a variety of issues around multiple outlets on your own. When it relates to electricity, you should leave it to the professionals. Wiring that has been improperly installed can cause dangerous shocks and fires. Don’t put your family’s and property’s safety in jeopardy. A licensed electrician should handle any electrical issues.
Contact Tan TP Consultants today to get a better understanding of their electrical services, their engineers can show their LEW license for credibility.
