Making Sure that Your Home and Business are Free fromElectrical Accidents

Electricity is one of the most useful inventions in the modern world. In fact,billions of people around the world are dependent on it. Our lives will never beeasy and convenient without it. But behind its usefulness lurks a sinistercharacteristic that can even be fatal. Electricity after all is both a friend and anenemy. You need to treat electricity right to make it friendly. Here are a fewimportant tips on how to prevent electrical risks in your home or business.

OutletsCheck for outlets with mising or broken wall plates as wellas outlets that are too loose for their plugs. These canoverheat and create fire. The ones that have broken wallplates are not safe as well. You should have them replacedat once.

Extension CordsExtension cords are intended for temporary use only. Youmust not use it as permanent household wiring. Wheneveryou use it, you must make sure that they are notoverloaded.

PlugsAvoid using plugs on loose outlets. You should refrain fromremoving the ground pin (the third prong) to make the plugfit a two-conductor outlet. If a plug doesn't fit an outlet, youshould'nt force it to avoid accidents.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)GFCIs are designed to prevent electrocution especially inareas that are prone to get wet. A GCFI works through asensor that detects current leakage in an electrical circuit.When it does happen, the GCFI assumes that a ground faulthas taken place. It immediately interrupts power to preventelectrical accidents. If you are using GCFIs, make sure theyare working perfectly.

Light BulbsMake sure that light bulbs are screwed in securely to theirsockets. Loose bulbs may overheat and cause fire.

Circuit Breakers/FusesWhen using circuit breakers, you must make sure that theyare of the correct size and current rating for their circuit. Ifyou are not sure about the correct size, let an electricianspecify it for you. When replacing a fuse, you must alwaysuse one that is able to sustain the maximum load capacityof the installation.

WaterWater has no place in an electrical installation. Do not putyour appliances in places where they can get wet whenthey fall. When a plugged-in appliance gets wet, don't evertry to pull it out. Instead, turn off the main switch todeactivate the electricity on the outlet then unplug theappliance. If an appliance gets wet by any means, don't useit. Have it checked by a qualified technician first.

AppliancesAn appliance that trips or blows a fuse again and againindicates that it needs repair or a replacement. When ithappens to one of your appliances, unplug it at once andhave it checked by a qualified person.

Outdoor AppliancesAvoid using electric outdoor appliances such as mowersand tools when it's raining or when conditions are wet.Before using them, always check their cords for cracks orexposed wires as they can cause accidents.

Space HeatersSpace heaters provide heat. Keep them safe by puttingcombustible materials such as clothes, beddings,draperies and rugs at least 3 feet away. Avoid pluggingin space heaters to extension cords.

LightningDuring a thunderstorm, appliances like radios, toasters,hairdryers and telephones are not safe to use.

Electrical RepairsElectrical repairs are high-risk jobs. You shouldn't do itunless you are qualified, Electrical services should bedone only by competent professionals.