Electrical Safety Tips to Protect Your Family

For general appliances

Remove frayed, broken, damaged or cracked plugs to avoid any electric shocks. Turn the power points, before plugging or unplugging appliances. Switch off the appliances such as ovens, stove tops and heaters prior to you leaving home. Regularly, clean the exhaust fans.

Ensure enough space so that there is no overheating around the electrical devices. Remove combustible materials such as heaters, lamps and stove. Extension cords should not be used in wet and damp areas. Always hire licensed electricians for any electrical repair work to be done

Kitchen appliances

It is crucial to clean the regularly the filters. Also, clean the oven to avoid spilled fat or burnt foods accumulation. Install ventilation systems such as an exhaust fan to drive away fumes while cooking. Turn off and remember to unplug bread toasters prior to removing the toast, muffins or crumpets cooked in it. Keep the toaster free of crumbs. Finally, do not ever leave cooking unattended.

Electricity and Water

Power points connected to sinks, pools or baths must be used carefully as experiencing shocks is possible as electricity reacts quickly with water. Even if your electrical devices such as hair dryers get dipped in water, discard it immediately. This is because all the electric devices are highly dangerous when dipped in water. After using portable devices such as hair dryers and shavers, unplug and turn off immediately as faulty wires in ‘on’ condition may cause electric shocks.

Install strip heaters instead of portable water heaters by professional electricians. Never touch with wet hands or bare feet the electric appliances.

Tips on usage of Extension cords

• Do not use extension cords to repair or build any other wiring. Before using inspect the extension cords for damaged insulation, broken connectors and missing hardware.
• Use extension cords as approved and equip the extension cords with GFI devices.
• Avoid running extension cords over beams, through walls, doorways or around corners.
• Do not use damaged extension cords or coiled extension cords.
• Use power strips surge protected. Inspect them regularly for signs of damage.
• In outdoor settings use extension cords that are outdoor approved to facilitate temporary wiring.

Install Safeguards

• Label all the circuit breakers and disconnect switches.
• Write on each circuit breaker, switch or fuse, the purpose of it.
• Cover unused electrical openings with electrical enclosures.
• Ensure enough working space and access for electrical equipments maintenance and safe operation.
• Tag all the electrical lines or equipment while they are being maintained, serviced, or adjusted.
• Inspect all the electrical appliances, like vacuum cleaners, to ensure they are grounded perfectly. Cords that are damaged or frayed need to be replaced immediately, and not taped or spliced. Remember to shut down the main power source in case you wish to replace the fuses.