Electricity is one of our most important commodities, yet it can also be one of the deadliest. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions cause 47,700 home fires annually in the United States. And aside from fire, the voltage of the electricity and the available electrical current in a typical home is powerful enough to cause electrocution death. That is why, whether you are an electrician or not, you should always use extreme caution while working with electricity. If you can’t manage a project independently, call Fullerton Electric Pros at (714) 622-7784 and ask for an electrician in Orange County. We’d be delighted to help out.
Otherwise, here are some precautions to take when dealing with electricity.
Tips for staying safe without hiring an electrician in Orange County
1. Assume that all electrical cables are live and potentially harmful.
This is the best advice anyone can give you when you are working with electricity. Look, it’s easy to overlook the fact that even seemingly benign lines can contain a current. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and presume the wire is live.
2. Never use your bare hands to touch a wire or electrical equipment.
Touching a wire or an electrical device with your bare hands is never a good idea. This can lead to serious injury or even death. Always use gloves, tools, or other insulating materials to keep yourself safe when working on or near live wires. Better safe than sorry.
3. Do not operate on electrical equipment that is connected.
Working with electrical equipment while it is plugged in is never a good idea. Live wires may shock you even if the electricity is turned off. If you need to work on electrical equipment, always unplug it first and proceed cautiously.
4. Never use electricity while wet.
It goes without saying that it is unsafe to use electric appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when you’re soaked or standing in water. You should never try this. Always keep your hands and feet dry when working with electrical wires or outlets. Wet hands can carry electricity and inflict significant injury even if you wear rubber gloves.
5. When dealing with electricity, always wear rubber-soled shoes.
When working with electricity, you should always wear rubber-soled shoes. This will help prevent electrical shock by isolating you from the current.
Rubber footwear that is in good shape, clean, and dry will protect you from electrocution since it isolates you from the ground. You have formed a circuit for electricity to flow through if you touch a live wire and have a way to ground. On the other hand, it will not help if you are touching something else that can complete a circuit with your other hand.
6. When working with electricity, only use properly insulated tools.
Insulated tools are highly recommended for any form of electrical work. Depending on the work, they may even be required. This can help safeguard you against electric shocks and other hazards. If you are unsure whether a tool is adequately insulated, it is advisable to avoid using it altogether.
Remember that just because your screwdriver or pliers have plastic handles doesn’t mean they can or will protect you from an electrical shock.
7. When dealing with electricity outside, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
This will serve to protect you from electric shocks in the event of an electrical mishap. GFCIs are electrical safety devices that are intended to keep humans safe from electric shock and electrocution. They are typically installed in areas where water and electricity are present, such as the bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement, and outdoors.
GFCIs are widely accessible at hardware stores.
8. Never overburden electrical outlets.
Overloading electrical outlets is one of the most common blunders people make. This can happen when too many appliances are connected to one outlet or when an extension cable with a wattage that is too high for the outlet is utilized. Overloading outlets can cause fires, so keep track of how much electricity goes into each one. If you’re unsure, speak with an electrician in Orange County.
9. Maintain the proper functioning order of all electrical equipment.
If you do not intend to hire an electrician, you need to take certain steps to avoid putting yourself in danger. Keeping all of your electrical equipment in good operating order is one of the most critical things you can do. This includes inspecting for frayed wires, loose connections, and other possible risks on a regular basis. If you are unsure how to proceed, you can always call Fullerton Electric Pros to come and inspect the situation.
10. Never try to fix electrical equipment on your own.
Last but not least, trying to fix electrical equipment yourself is never a smart idea if you’re not an electrician. Unless you have experience doing this, of course. Otherwise, it is not only risky, but you may wind up doing more harm than good. If you are unsure how to repair anything, it is usually advisable to see an expert (that’s us, by the way).
Let the pros handle it
Always hire a professional for undertakings that are above your skill level or comfort zone. This is particularly true in the case of electrical work. It is not only unsafe to attempt to fix electrical equipment on your own, but you may wind up doing more harm than good. If you are unsure how to repair something, contacting an Orange County electrician is usually preferable.
That is why we have come. Fullerton Electric Pros may be reached at (714) 622-7784. We are here to assist you with any of your electrical requirements. We can assist you with anything from a simple repair to a whole new installation. Call us today, and let us show you what we can accomplish.