Safety precautions when working with electricity

Electricity, as useful it is, can be a like-taker as well.

Yes, in today’s time, the wire manufacturing companies have enhanced their safety precautions, and now we have access to PV coat wire which is completely safe for high currents (used widely on solar installations) and secure to use. But no matter how safe your wires or plugs are, one mishap anywhere can lead to high-voltage electric currents which can have multiple damaging effects.

When dealing with electric wiring, one needs to be extremely careful no matter how professional one is. There are some basic ground rules set in place which everyone should follow when handling electricity. If you know about them then great, but if you don’t then that is okay as well.

Because today in this article we are going to be discussing the major and the more basic safety precautions set in place by the energy regulators and the professionals. So, let u go ahead and jump right into them.

• Water is your biggest enemy when it comes to electricity. Whenever you are working with wires, make sure that there is no water around. Also, avoid touching water yourself and ensure that the wires are not wet. The reason being that water enhances the conductivity of the electric current which increases the chances of electrocution.
• Never work with wires or equipment with broken insulation seals. Naked wires might seem like regular wires and they will get the job done but there are completely dangerous. One direct connection and you will be fried.
• Whenever working with electric switches, sockets, or plugs in your home by yourself, make sure to always turn off the mains. Yes, we will repeat it again, the main not the switch button itself. You want to disconnect all ties with the electric current in your home to be completely safe.
• Make sure that the tools you are using come with insulation. Although almost all tools have insulated handles for you to work with, but it is still better to ensure that the area of handling is insulated well to avoid conductivity.
• Whenever you see the ‘shock’ sign on any equipment or building, make sure to never operate it especially if you don’t know-how. Such equipment is energetic and emits high voltage which can kill you as well. If an electric current can help restart your heart, it can also stop it.
• Whenever working with electricity equipment at a height, make sure that your ladder isn’t made out of steel or aluminum. Both of them are great conductors of electricity, thus can be quite dangerous for you. The current will ground you and pass through your entire body, affecting your nerves and other organs drastically.
• Always add a fuse or a circuit breaker to your electrical systems and appliances. With the right current rating, a circuit breaker can help disconnect the circuit automatically in case of a short circuit. In case you don’t know which breaker to get, you can always consult the person at the hardware store.
• Don’t use a spade to dig a wire under damp soil. If you can wait, we suggest you wait for the soil to get dry. But if not, then keep the spade aside and use your hands to dig the hole to reach the wire underneath. The water in the soil is a good conductor of electricity thus can lead to electrocution.
• Always use safety equipment such as eyeglasses, insulation gloves, and insulated tools when working with electricity. You want to be as safe as possible because remember that your body is a conductor as well and the current will use it as the passageway to reach the ground.

Takeaways.

You might know some of them, but it is best to keep reading them after some time to give yourself a reminder since we all interact with electric devices and appliances on a daily basis. Plus, whenever you are opting for copper flexible wire, make sure to get the safest ones such as the PV wiring. Make sure to tell your loved ones and your kids about their safety precautions to keep them protected as well.