Golden Rules of Electrical Safety: How to Stay Safe

Golden Rules of Electrical Safety: How to Stay Safe

Working with electricity is extremely dangerous and, even if you’re not directly working with electricity, working around electricity can be risky business, too. In most cases, hiring a professional electrician is the safest course of action. If you’re not hiring an electrician, though, here are some tips golden rules for staying safe around electricity–

Disconnect and Turn it Off

The first rule of electrical safety is to always disconnect an appliance or anything else that’s powered by electricity before performing any repairs. If electricity is flowing, there’s a risk of electrocution, no matter how safe you are.

The same goes for working with any other sources of electricity, such as outlets and lights. You can’t unplug these things, but you can and should  turn off the circuit breaker. 

Don’t Use Metal When Working Around Electricity

Metal is a great conductor, and therefore dangerous if you’re working around electricity. Never wear metal rings, watches, or jewelry when working with electricity, and avoid using metal pencils, rulers, and other tools.

Watch Out for Moisture

Like metal, water and other liquids are great conductors, and can increase your risk of electrical shock or electrocution. If there is a spill of liquid around something that’s currently conducting electricity, do not try to clean up the spill before unplugging the mechanism/turning off the power.

Never Repair Electrical Equipment or Outlets Unless Certified to Do So

Doing some basic home renovation projects and repairs are probably safe, but if you need to repair electrical equipment or an outlet, call a professional. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns against repairing electrical cords, outlets, or equipment without being qualified. 

Know the Risks

One way to stay safe isn’t just to practice the precautions above but to have a developed understanding of just how serious and dangerous electricity can be. An accident with electricity can result in severe burns, shocks, and death by electrocution. When a shock doesn’t result in death, it can have long-term consequences for the individual. By understanding how dangerous electricity can be, you’re more likely to be more cautious.

Call Our Professional Electrician Today

As mentioned, the safest thing to do is to call a professional electrician whenever you’re working with electricity. At Generator Technologies Inc., our electrician serves home and business owners in both Illinois and Indiana, and has the experience and reputation you can trust. Call today to learn more.