Minimizing Electrical Hazards At Home

In our previous article “Causes of electrical faults” we were able to outline the various items that may bring about electrical faults at home and offices. We believe it is now a well-established fact that these problems can be avoided with the right knowledge and application. In this article, we shall look at the best ways you and your residential electrician can avoid or minimize the rate of electrical hazards at home.

Minimizing electrical hazards at home usually occurs in four steps which will be discussed below.

1. Installations

You can reduce the occurrence of electrical hazards even during installation by taking note of the following;

• All electrical installation should be carried out by qualified and fully licensed local electricians. Kindly read our article on “Finding the best electrician for your electrical job” for a list of factors to be considered before engaging the services of a residential electrician.
• Make sure all electrical installations are carried out according to the governing rules in your locality.
• Purchase electrical accessories from licensed companies only.

1. Inspection

Periodic Inspection of electrical fittings will assist you identify faults as early as possible. You can liaise with your residential electrician to have all the electrical connections and fitting checked on monthly or yearly basis as the case basis. During inspection make sure you take note of the following;

• Wear and Tear
• Verification of effectiveness of the earthing system
• Suitability (e.g. of protective devices)
• Safety
• Polarity
• Operation of residual current devices, over-current circuit breakers, and fuses.
• Operation of devices for isolation and switching
• Insulation resistance
• External influences (changes in building/occupancy)
• Excessive loading
• Earth fault loop impedance
• Damage to the connections
• Corrosion of pipes and metal wares
• Age of the electrical fittings and installations.

1. Testing

This should only be carried out by professional electricians. This involves the testing of all the electrical systems for any sign of faults and addressing them squarely. This should be carried out twice in every 5 years. After the test, you will be issued with a test certificate which contains vital information and recommendations about the parts of your electrical system that requires urgent attention.

1. Maintenance

Maintenance of all electrical systems should never be taken likely. This involves the calculate steps aimed at making sure all electrical systems are working perfectly. During maintenance, we suggest you take note of the following;

• Only Licensed Electricians should dismantle or repair your wiring
• Always plug into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
• Check each extension cord before and after use
• Thoroughly check for the presence of electrical wiring before cutting through any ceiling, floor or wall.
• Power tools should be inspected on a regular basis.
• Before each use, examine all Insulated tools for damage
• Electrical plugs should never be modified
• Extension cords should be kept in a safe place where they won't be driven over or stepped upon.
• All electrical components should be kept dry
• Get the right extension cord for the job at hand

Conclusion

Electrical hazards can be avoided with the right knowledge. Kindly contact us if you have any questions. We will be glad to hear from you.

Electrician