How To Avoid Getting Shocked Working With Home Electric
Many homeowners who are willing to do the work of changing a switch or replacing that old ceiling fan do not do the work for fear of getting shocked. It is much easier to follow protocols to avoid getting shocked when working with home electric than it is to do the actual work of those electrical projects needing done.
First and foremost is to identify the correct fuse or breaker at the service panel that disconnects the power to the circuit being worked on. Second is to not only shut off the power to the circuit but post a written notice on the service panel that the power is off because it is being worked on. This way a family member who thinks it is just a blown fuse or breaker will not restore power while dad is up on the ladder wiring up the new ceiling fan.
A word of caution all homeowners with questionable wiring should adhere to is to not rely on just a wall switch cutting the power to a circuit. In some homes with faulty wiring, the return side of circuits instead of the hot side of circuits may be what is cut at the switch. This means that current is still at the appliance such as a ceiling fan, but the circuit is not complete because the return path is what is being switched off.
There are small current detecting devices available for homeowners that will add another layer of proof that the current to a circuit is off. They operate while the circuit has a load on it such as a light being on or a motor running. When the power is cut at the service panel, the current detector will indicate that electricity is no longer flowing in the circuit. These devices do not require contact with bare wires or terminals to work and are better than relying on just watching for the appliance to switch off. After all, it may just be that a light bulb burned out instead of the correct breaker being shut off.
Very useful blog, excellent! In regards to precaution and to avoid shocked working with your home electric appliances, it is better to consider few steps and tips before you do such work. It is always important to determine among fuse and circuits, dry hands before working on, and making sure that the main source of electricity or all of your appliances are turned off. With these helpful tips mentioned above can definetly assist you in electrical works. Or better hand, used a cloth gloves.
Very Informative blog. It’s nice that you wrote something about safety precaution especially in electricity. Most of us are not aware or not really take serious precaution to this. Most of our electrical lines or switches in home are fix or replace by us. And this precaution that you wrote will help us in our home especially in dealing with electronics. Simple tips yet very vital in home electric. Thanks.
So true.. before my dad fix the electric wires at home he first checks the main switch and everything then follows. Thanks for the tips, if my dad is out and there’s some fixing to be done I think I can now manage without getting myself into trouble. Cheers!
Mischa@Cedar Rapids Homes For Sale recently posted..Find a Home for Sale in Cedar Rapids Iowa
This is a nice blog. My uncle got killed because of electric shock from our home appliance. Actually the home appliance that killed him was the electrical stove in our house. That happened when I was really young. People in our homes should be aware of the risk brought by this kind of electrical technology. They should take care of the appliances and also take care of their selves especially the old ones who are not aware of the risks. =)
My husband hates doing repairs on electrical things around our house. I am going to have to send him to your site to get some pointers to make his honey do list a little easier and safer
So useful information..Make sure that none of the electrical wires in your house are bare (without insulation). If you come across an electrical wire that is bare, please ask a knowlegeable person if that is connected to a live circuit.Any circuits with old wires should be properly inspected. Over a period of time the plastic or rubber covering hardens and tends to peel off. This may cause short-circuits.
I’d like to add one thing to the post: READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. I just replaced my ceiling fan in our master bedroom and the prior home owner actually switched the wiring around. Black is the supposed to be the ground wire people!!!
Charles@Las Vegas homes for sale recently posted..Prison Inmates Claim the Tax Credit
Although it will be consider a weird thing to do. Constantly be touching wood. Never, if you don’t want to be shocked, touch metal without touching wood first.
There are other ways to stop getting shocked by static electricity. One way is to put lotion on exposed skin areas. See the Related Link for more ideas.
What an awesome blog! You’ve taught me significant information about home electricity from this article. I appreciate you for taking the effort to extend this topic so comprehensively. I look forward to learning more on your upcoming posts. Thanks.
There are small current detecting devices available for homeowners that will add another layer of proof that the current to a circuit is off. They operate while the circuit has a load on it such as a light being on or a motor running. When the power is cut at the service panel, the current detector will indicate that electricity is no longer flowing in the circuit. These devices do not require contact with bare wires or terminals to work and are better than relying on just watching for the appliance to switch off. After all, it may just be that a light bulb burned out instead of the correct breaker being shut off.
I just messed my self up with the our refrigerator so i looked up the internet to avoid that. fortunately, i was able to be part of this great post. haha! now it is time to avoid those!
I think that electrical is one of the things that should be checked by a professional even if you think you know what you are doing. If you miss one thing you could potentially end up electricuting yourself – that or burning your house down… Isn’t it worth double checking?
Hey, has anybody looked at solar power? They are a awesome investment in your house or company. Any new technologies out there I should know about? Keep me in the loop. Thank you for using keyword luv.
Janet@Solar Power Cost recently posted..Photovoltaic PV Technology Incubator
- Focus on the big picture while still knowing the day-to-day tasks are being handled in the manner in which you WANT them to be handled
The best option to avoid the electric shock is to maintain your all electricity lines properly and frequently check all the equipments used. Use the slippers while working or touching electric items.
I beg to differ with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your coming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the phenomenal lucidity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Genuine work and much success in your business efforts!
I agree that it is much easier to follow protocols to avoid getting shocked when working with home electric than it is to do the actual work of those electrical projects needing done.
I have been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a your new posts.
Electrical contractors Las Vegas recently posted..Do I Need an Electrician
Home electric can be a scary thing – I would suggest getting a professional to wire your home. Otherwise make sure that you have someone that can come and check it. One short and you could burn down the house!
One important thing to remember that main switch should be off when working with electricity and also just avoid to touch any metal during the any electric work.
I like to post the steps for ensuring safe electrical work and precautionary steps right next to the breaker box.
A great article. I remember my Dad and I many years ago having a nasty accident (funny in hind sight) We re-wired a house and were putting in a new fuse box… We forgot we had rigged one live circuit for lighting to work from. Sadly we cut straight through this live circuit… BANG it went and we still have the side cutters with a hole blown in them!
Leave your response!
Recent Posts
Categories
Archives
Blogroll
Tags
Most Commented