It’s hard to imagine a world without electricity. Over the years, we’ve come to depend on it for so many things. Whether it’s light, transport, heat, entertainment or anything else, electricity is the fuel that powers modern life. On rare moments when there’s a power outage, we might be reminded of just how much we rely on this invisible power, but for most people, it’s easy to take electricity for granted.
Not only do we take electricity for granted, but many of us forget just how dangerous it can be. Since it was first harnessed and used to power devices and appliances, there have been countless injuries, accidents and deaths related to electricity. Although it can be dangerous, it’s possible to use it safely and minimise any potential risks. In this guide, you’ll learn how to stay safe while using electrical devices.
Improving Electrical Safety in Your Home
The home is where the heart is and it’s also where we’re most likely to come in contact with electrical safety issues. Sure, most workplaces also rely on electrical devices, but they’re normally at least following safety regulations to protect employees. If you want to minimise your risks of injury, looking into electrical safety in your home is one of the first things you should consider.
All of our homes are connected to the power grid by a network of cables, power lines and transformers. The electrical current travels from the power plants to our homes, being converted from high voltage to a lower and safer voltage. Once it reaches our homes, it arrives to the panel board, where it’s directed to the home’s circuits.
Every home should have a working and regularly maintained panel board for optimal safety. This board contains circuit breakers and earth leakage units which are designed to prevent accidents and damage to your devices. You can find a variety of circuit breakers and panel boards at RS if you ever need to replace them.
Keeping Devices and Cables in Good Condition
Devices and cables that are in poor condition are one of the leading causes of electrical fires and injuries. If you want to stay safe, it’s important to make sure all of your devices are in good condition, and replace any that are showing signs of damage or are overheating. If your appliances are overheating, this could be a sign that something is wrong, and it could potentially lead to a fire if allowed to continue.
Broken cables are also a serious problem that needs to be addressed. You should regularly check your cables to look for any signs of wear. If the wiring in cables is exposed, you could be at risk of an electric shock, and it will also prevent your device from working properly. Don’t use a cable if the wiring is exposed, and replace it immediately.
If you want to ensure your devices and cables last longer, it’s important to take good care of them. Keep your devices stored away within a case that’s capable of withstanding impacts. Avoid using your devices in unsafe conditions, and make sure your cables are always tidied away. Good cable management can reduce the amount of wear that they’re exposed to, ensuring they last longer.
Avoiding Unsafe Practices Around Electricity
Staying safe around electricity means taking care to avoid unsafe practices and ensure you’re not misusing it. All devices are rated to be used at a certain voltage and with a certain type of plug. Make sure you’re never using more voltage than you need, or you could risk damaging your devices or causing an accident.
You should always follow the instructions for all your devices to learn proper use and avoid potential risks. Be careful around water, especially when using a device that’s powered by mains electricity.
