Safety Precautions in Handling Electrical Appliance

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE

It is essentially important to take precautions when we are working with electricity and using electrical appliances. Here, some of the basic precautions are mentioned for safe usage of electrical appliance:

(i) Follow the manufacture's instructions

Always read the manufacture's instructions carefully before using a new appliance.

(ii) Replace or repair damaged power cords

Exposed wiring is a danger that cannot be ignored. If you see the protective coating on a wire is stripped away, be sure to replace it or cover it with electrical tape as soon as possible.

(iii) Keep electrical equipment or outlets away from water

Avoid water at all times when working with electricity. Never touch or electrical equipment or circuits with wet hands. It increases the conductivity of electrical current. Keep all electrical appliance away from water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip.

(iv) use insulated tools while working

Always use appropriate insulated rubber gloves, goggles, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles while working on any branch circuits or any other electrical circuits. Use only tools and equipment with non‒conducting handles when working on electrical devices. Never use metallic pencils or rulers or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with electrical equipment as they cause a strong electric shock.

(v) Don't overload your outlets

Every outlet in your home is designed to deliver a certain amount of electricity; by plugging too many devices into it at once, you could cause a small explosion or a fire. If you have a lot of things to plug in, use a power strip that can safely accommodate your needs.

(vi) Shut‒off the power supply

Always make sure that the power source should be shut‒off before performing any work related to electricity. For example; inspecting, installing, maintaining or repairing.

(vii) Avoid extension cords as much as possible

Running extension cords through the house can trip up residence; this can cause injury and damage to the wire or outlet if it cause the cord to be ripped out of the wall. If you find yourself using extension cords very often, consider having an electrician install new outlets throughout your home.

(viii) When to repair

Everyone want to have the safe electrical environment. Equipment producing "tingle" sound should be disconnected and reported promptly for repair.

(ix) Avoid the usage of flammable liquids

Never use highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment. Never touch another person's equipment or electrical control devices unless instructed to do so.

(x) Use electric tester

Never try repairing energized equipment. Always check that it is de‒energized first by using a tester. When an electric tester touches a live or hot wire, the bulb inside the tester lights up showing that an electrical current is flowing through the respective wire. Check all the wires, the outer metallic covering of the service panel any other hanging wires with an electrical tester before proceeding with your work.

(xi) In case of electric shock

If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord person. Disconnect the power source from the circuits breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt. By enclosing all electric conductors and contacts can save people from getting the electric shock. Use three‒pin plugs, which have earth wire connection which prevents electrical shock.

(xii) Display danger board

Danger board should be displayed at the work place. We should not allow any unauthorized person to enter in the working place and we should not put any new equipment into the service without necessary testing by the concern authority.

(xiii) Usage of proper ladder

Never use an aluminium or steel ladder if you are working on any receptacle at height in your home. An electrical surge will ground you and the whole electric current will pass through your body. Use a bamboo, wooden or a fibreglass ladder instead.

(xiv) Usage of circuits breaker or fuse

Always use a circuits breaker or fuse with the appropriate current rating. Circuits breakers and fuses are protection devices that automatically disconnect the live wire a condition of short circuits or over current occurs. The selection of the appropriate fuse or circuit breaker is essential. Normally for protection against short circuits a fuse rated of 150% of the normal  circuit current is selected. In the case of a circuit with 10 amperes of current, a 15 ampere fuse will against direct short circuits a 9.5 amperes fuse will blow out.

(xv) Use ceiling on live wire

Always put a cap on the hot/live wire while working on an electric board or service panel as you could end up short circuiting the bare ends of the live wire with the neutral. The cap insulates the copper ends of the cable thus preventing any kind of shock even if touched mistakenly.

(xvi) Precaution during soldering

Always take care while soldering your circuits boards. Wear goggles and keep yourself away from the fumes. Keep the solder iron in its stand when not in use; it can get extremely hot and can easily cause burns.

(xvii) Things to remember

The circuits is bad, electricity appliances are not working well, and lights are It means you need an electrical inspection or repair. In this case, either you'll call an electrician are or do it yourself. So if you are trying to repair, always remember that your hands are well dry, you have essential tools, rubber gloves & shoe are good, As all these acts as an insulator. Do not wear loose clothing or tied near electrical equipment.

(xviii) Keep heaters away from bedclothes, clothing and curtains to avoid risk fire. Be extra careful when using electrical appliances attached to power outlets near kitchen or bathroom sinks, tubs, swimming pools, and other wet areas. Don't cover an electric heater with clothing or other items.