|
|
|
How to Prevent Electrical Shock
Tips for Avoiding Electrical Shock when
Working on Electrical Wiring
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
Working with electricity can be
dangerous as electrical shocks can injure and even kill you. Consequently it is
important that you exercise some important safety precautions to prevent
electrical shock. Chief amongst them is to first turn off power to the
electrical circuit you plan on working on at the main circuit breaker panel.
Furthermore, place a piece of electrical tape over the turned off circuit
breaker to warn anyone that you have purposely turned power off to the circuit.
|
In addition to turning power off to
the electrical circuit at the main circuit panel, it is also important to
confirm that the power is indeed off at the electrical box itself using a neon
bulb tester or multimeter. Occasionally more than one circuit breaker can be
feeding power to an electrical outlet or light switch, and thus to prevent
electrical shock it is just as important to verify power is off at the
electrical box itself.
|
|
If you need to use a ladder when
working on electrical wiring never use an aluminum ladder, as aluminum is a good
conductor of electricity. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder instead.
Always wear a pair of good rubber
soles shoes as rubber is also a poor conductor of electricity.
When it comes to tools, always use screwdrivers and pliers that have insulated
handles.
|
Avoid working on electrical circuits
in wet or damp areas. Where it cannot be avoided wear rubber boots and gloves.
Also, make sure your hands and gloves are dry prior to inserting your hands into
an electrical box or appliance.
Finally, when working in a wet or damp area, make sure any electrical power
tools are plugged into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. GFCI’s
are designed to quickly turn power off to a circuit if they sense the slightest
loss of current in the circuit, thus preventing life threatening electrical
shock.
|
Find a Qualified Residential Electrical Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Residential
Electrical
Contractors! |
For
information on Changing a standard Light Switch,
See HomeAdditionPlus.com's "How
to Change a Light Switch Ebook".
It provides detailed, easy to understand, step-by-step instructions and
pictures, on how to replace a standard light switch. How to Finance your
New Home Project - LendingTree's
Home Equity Loans
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if
financing is required.
Tools for Preventing Electrical Shock from
Amazon.com
Electrical
Contractor Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on residential electrical work from one of our prescreened and licensed
electrical contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your electrical contractor price estimate.
|
|
|
