Everything we do is with electricity; from the kitchen to the sitting room, bathroom, and closet, we have electrically powered appliances which come with hazards. But not to worry, these risks can be controlled with the right knowledge and getting help from a reliable electrician.
So, check out the 8 threatening home electrical hazards:
Poor wiring and faulty electric wires
A home that is poorly wired is at high risk of fire, arc faults, power surges, plus other dangers. This is why quality wiring compliant to safety standards is recommended. Avoid DIY (do-it-yourself) electrical works. Get a fully qualified and competent electrician to handle your house wiring for increased safety.
Wires that are cracked, worn, or damaged can cause electrical fires and other serious consequences. Hire an expert electrician to check your wiring routinely to ensure safety, and if you need to replace, repair, or upgrade defective wires.
Hazards may arise from:
- Overheated wires or cords
- Faulty electrical appliances
- A loose or poorly connected electrical switch or outlet
- Frayed appliance or extension cords
- Electrical cord that has been chewed by rodents
- Pinched or pierced wire insulation, caused by for instance, a table leg sitting on an extension cord
To avoid these hazards, a recommended electrician in Hackney will be the best option.
Outlets near water
Areas in your house such as the kitchens, bathrooms, and others that use water should have electrical outlets installed quite distant from the source of water. This will reduce electrical conduction and consequent electric shock. Don’t use electrical appliances like a phone, hairdryer, or others in wet areas, including the bath or pool.
Wet hands
Never handle electrical appliances with wet hands if you value your life. This can increase the risk of getting electrocuted. Do you know that the human body conducts electricity? But so many people keep reaching out for the hairdryer with wet hands from the shower. Kindly put your appliances beyond the proximity of taps, showers, sinks, and bathtubs.
Putting out electrical fires with water
This is one common mistake people do. Do not pour water on electrical fires as it will increase the fire and may cause electric shock. Instead, use a fire extinguisher if you have one nearby. Where you don’t have a fire extinguisher, shut off your electrical supply from the mains, leave the scene and call the fire department immediately. Should you be worried about electrical fires, get and keep a fire extinguisher, and use it in the event of a fire.
Curious little children
It is natural for young babies and toddlers to be very curious and interested in exploring their world. Young children have a penchant for experimenting with everything within their reach, including electrical accessories and connections. All they want is to understand how things work. While we shouldn’t stop this natural instinct, adult supervision of children within this age becomes paramount. Again, there are measures parents and adults expecting children at their home can take for added protection.
Replace every electrical outlet within their reach with extra-safe power points. They can be interchanged with normal power point and keep prying fingers and sharp objects away from the socket. Children can get serious injuries from unprotected sockets.
Extension cords
To lower the chances of tripping or accident, carefully position your extension cords in safe areas. Protect unused sockets with plastic socket closures. Avoid using extension cords to power too many appliances simultaneously, and as a permanent replacement for extra power sockets.
Lightbulbs
Lightbulbs? Really? Yes, we overlook lightbulbs when thinking of possible electric dangers. However, a lightbulb can pose a potential electrical hazard if kept close to flammable materials. These materials can include drapes, plastics, beds, upholstery, and others.
Just like every electricity source, lights can cause electrocution. Ensure you put off the light switch before replacing a lightbulb, and don’t touch a light switch or replace a lightbulb with wet hands. Do well always to use a lightbulb with the correct wattage to avoid overheating.
Covered electrical wires and cords
The excessive covering of wires can make the cords to overheat, leading to an electrical fire. So keep your cords and wires uncovered and away from other items.
Again, ensure that electrical appliances like televisions and computers have enough space around them for ventilation; this will prevent cases of overheating and danger.
Extra tips:
- Do not repair electrical appliances yourself, always hire a licensed electrician
- Switch off all electrical appliances before cleaning areas like bathroom, laundry, or kitchen
- Never use wet hands to touch electrical appliances or switches
- Always use outdoor grade extension wires outside your home
- Inspect your appliances regularly for defective plugs, switches, and frayed cords
- Do not poke anything into an appliance while it is connected to an electric source or in use
- Make sure you do not overload power boards with so many appliances simultaneously. For instance, unplug a hairdryer from the power board before plugging a heater
An efficient way of lowering the chance of death from electrocution in your home is by fitting a safety switch, also called a residual current device (RCD). But do not attempt to perform electrical works by yourself as you might cause more harm and even put yourself at great risk. You may need the services of electricians in Hackney if you suspect electrical hazards in your home. A well-trained electrician is prepared for the job and can handle the risks that come with it.
We provide fully detailed tips on electrical safety where you can learn how to stay safe in your office and home, keep children safe, and stay safe during a storm. You can call us at Electric Works London if you need an electrician to do work in your home. Every work we do carries a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured of an effective service that will keep you satisfied. Give us a call today and let’s discuss your needs. We are all about electrical services in Hackney.
