Safety should always be a priority for any person working with electrical systems. Whether you are working on repairs or dealing with new installations, safety precautions and considerations must be a priority consideration. But how does one ensure that they are safe at all times when electricity is concerned?
What’s more, accidents may also happen along the way. Even at that, certain factors help guarantee safety without sacrificing the services they need to access. This article explores some of the useful yet practical things to ensure they are safe in 2021.
Consider the Cords and Wires
Exercise caution when using the cords at home and the office. Take special care of the extension cord with switch and other wirings. Whether dealing with an extension cord or one with lower power, you must watch out for all wires and cords in your space. In this case, an extension cord with switch can be better.
The cable also serves as the power connector between your device and the wall power source. While these cords come in handy when you need to get power to areas it would be impossible to reach, they need to be well cared for to serve you best.Â
Ensure that the cord is strong and in excellent condition. Watch out for when the cords get worn out and can no longer work as they did before. Always eliminate and store the extension cords when they start showing signs of being worn out.
Unknown to many users, broken cords can still transmit electricity, which may cause severe damage, not to mention accidents such as electrocution. Sometimes you can prevent fatalities if you closely consider the reasons that led to severe cases.
However, it is not as easy as it seems. You may not always realize when the extension cords and wires are wearing out unless you pay close attention to them every day. Go through each of the rooms and check the cords physically, ensuring no faults or leaks. There will be no room for surprises in such cases.
Focus on Proper Use of Extension Cords
One thing that seems to be off with most homeowners is the inability to understand that extension cords are temporary solutions to a problem that requires a permanent fix. Avoid using the extension cord as your permanent fix for the power supply since these cords are created to serve this purpose.
If you need extension cords regularly, you should consider increasing the wall power outlets to areas where the extension cords are covered.Â
In case you must use an extension cord, make sure it is not for more than a few hours at a time. Ignoring these facts leads to overworking the extension cord and could trigger fast wear and tear, which in turn affects the longevity of the cord, not to mention the electric safety of your house or office.
If both options are not available, talk to your electrician to move the electrical appliances closer to the wall power outlets. This is safer than overpowering an extension cord which could cause accidents.
Make it a Habit to Unplug Appliances From The Wall Power Source
Many homeowners leave their appliances plugged even when they are not in use. While this is okay for refrigerators and freezers, it may not be safe for other appliances that need to be off. Normalize unplugging most of the electric devices from the wall power sources. Do this every night before going to bed.
Also, make sure to unplug the appliances every time you leave the house for a long time.Â
This protects your appliances against power surges that can happen suddenly. On the same note, every time there is a power outage, make sure to unplug all the instruments to protect them from any sudden excess power that could come through when the power is back.
Sometimes it is the little practices that make your house safe. These simple hacks can prevent fire outbreaks and also protect your appliances. If you must have the devices plugged in, ensure to use smart power plugs.
Avoid Power Strip Overload
The assumption that you are safe because you bought a power strip could not be further from the truth. Instead, you are always advised to consider voltage limitations and avoid overloading the strip. It would help if you were even more careful when dealing with high-load devices. You should always check the ratings on the power strip for it to serve you well.Â
Overloading the strip beats the purpose and will not serve as the protective layer intended for. You will realize that this is also not a permanent solution. The only permanent solution, in this case, would be installing more wall power outlets.
Exercise Caution when Unplugging Devices from Power Sources
Shockingly, there is a wrong and right way of unplugging devices from the power sources. How well you do this could affect whether or not your extension and power cords remain in good working condition. Always unplug the plastic casing when unplugging the cord instead of pulling the entire extension cord first.
Unknown to many, pulling the cord only damages the wires inside and could lead them to loosen and sometimes spoil.Â
Take special care of the outlets in the house and ensure the switch plates are adequately screwed in place. It is also a plus for them to be tamper-resistant, especially when kids and pets are running around. You do not want to have people and pets getting electrocuted due to carelessness or ignorance.
In case you live in an old house, consider upgrading and having your electrician install tamper-proof connections. Upgrade the electric writing for rooms as need be. A constant professional assessment will help you know when you need to invest in this.
Final Thoughts
Prioritizing electric safety is every person’s responsibility. Make sure you work with professionals when considering electric installations. The material used matters and should be of top-notch quality to ensure it serves you longer without requiring replacements. Stay Safe & Take Care!