Electrical Safety Tips

It’s very important to be safe around electricity, even more so if there are children in the house. Being negligent or careless when it comes to electrical safety can have tragic consequences. With that in mind, here are some handy household electrical safety tips.

Check Your Cords

If cords are damaged or frayed, you should not use them. Exposed wires can be very dangerous, and can cause fires, burns or electrical shocks. Any appliances with damaged cords should not be used. A licensed electrician can test and possibly repair the appliance, but if this is not possible it should be disposed of safely. Matt Devitt Electrical can assist with all testing and inspections. It’s also vital to keep your cords away from water, so you need to be extra vigilant in the bathroom and kitchen.

Extension cords can also be hazardous if you use them for the wrong reason. Before using an extension cord, you should always make sure that particular cord is safe for what you’re using it for. For example, you should not use an extension cord outside if it is only designed for indoor use. You’re increasing the risk of fire and electrical shocks if you do. You also shouldn’t connect electrical cords to each other. Extension cords should be visible rather than concealed under furniture or rugs. If you can’t see the cord, you won’t know if it’s damaged.

It’s important to remember that extension cords are not permanent solutions. They should be used as temporary measures, not as substitutes for permanent wiring. If you are over-reliant on extension cords, it probably means you do not have enough power points.

Don’t Overload

It can be extremely dangerous to overload power boards with too many appliances. Appliances that use high amounts of energy should be connected directly to wall outlets. If you need more wall outlets, talk to an electrician. Brisbane has a hot climate, so making sure large appliances such as air conditioners are not overloading circuits is particularly important. Power boards are not designed to connect to powerful electrical appliances. Do not connect double or triple adaptors to power boards. In fact, try to limit the use of adaptors.

Wall Outlets

If one or some of your wall outlets and switches are not working properly, there could be a problem with your wiring. If there are strange noises coming from the outlets, or switches are unusually warm, contact your local electrician to inspect them and check your wiring. If there are kids in your home, you should childproof your home with wall outlet covers or plugs.

Be Safe Outdoors

If you’re doing work outdoors, keep a reasonable distance from overhead power lines. You should be at least 6.4 metres from wires on poles, and 10 metres from wires on towers. If you are using power tools, make sure they are suitable for the job you are doing. If you are working near water, your tools should be connected to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. If you plan to dig underground, contact the Dial Before You Dig service to find out if there are underground pipes or cables near you.