Safety Tips For Household Electrical Repairs

Many home electrical repairs require the assistance of a licensed professional, but that doesn't stop some DIY warriors from trying their hand at fixing most household problems. Unlike carpentry or even plumbing, working with wiring and fuses poses high injury risks. If you've ever been accidentally shocked when pulling out a plug from a socket, you know how uncomfortable a little dose of electricity can be. If you insist on patching up faulty wiring or performing other repair work without training or knowledge it is vital to protect yourself from injury.

Electrical repairs present several safety hazards in the home, and one of the easiest rules to follow is "do not touch" until it is safe to do so. That means the power should be shut off before you begin pulling at wires. You'll also want to ensure that there is no water near where you will be working, as even a small amount on your hands or feet can conduct electricity and give you a nasty shock. In order to make sure that your target is shut down, pull the fuse, disconnect it from the power outlet, or check it with a circuit tester or voltage meter.

Labeling is another important safety measure when dealing with high voltage. Locate your fuse box and create small labels for each switch that details which they control. That way, there won't be any nasty surprises or mistakes. You should also explain to anyone else living in the home how the system works to make sure they are clear in case you are not around during an emergency. If you're working on something, you must warn everyone else in the household. Tell them, but also clearly mark the circuit switch by covering it with tape when it is shut off.

It's important to use the right tools for the job, and for electrical repairs, that means making safe choices. Electricity can be conducted through an aluminum ladder. So to stave off nasty shocks, invest in a stable wooden or plastic insulated one that can help decrease injury risks. Likewise, when using any hand tool such as pliers or a wrench, the handles should be coated in a non-conductive material such as rubber. This will help prevent any electricity from traveling up your arm. Further precautions such as wearing rubber gloves, rubber soled shoes, and removing any metal jewelry are also strongly recommended.

Before commencing any work other than simple patch up jobs, you should check your local regulations to see if you will require a permit to perform certain jobs. This is crucial, as failing to do so could result in hefty fines. It's much cheaper to apply and receive the permit than take the risks of getting caught, so don't try to get around this slight delay. If you are having difficulties during the electrical repair, it's best to call in a professional to help you. You may end up damaging the project more than helping it if you continue on.