As a homeowner, there is a certain skill set you must possess to keep your home running smoothly. There are a lot of different aspects to a home’s well-being – factors that contribute to creating the perfect living space which fulfills all your needs. Most modern homes are heavily dependent on electronic devices. With so many appliances being used on the daily, things are bound to occasionally go wrong. This is why electrical safety should always be a priority.

A lot of people prefer to be independent when it comes to taking care of their home. Not everyone wants to call for professional assistance at the most minor inconvenience, which is why developing basic skills to deal with recurring issues can be of great help. Electrical work isn’t the easiest if you lack experience. For this purpose, sources such as FirstEnergy Potomac Edison is reliable for solving any related queries.

That said, the following are some electrical safety tips you can follow while working at home.

Insulate Everything

A lot of the time, homeowners can experience minor shocks when dealing with uninsulated electronics. That is just a peek into the damage which can be caused by electrocution. A lot of people don’t understand the importance of proper insulation, which is why certain homes may be seen with subpar wiring and exposed electrical systems. This can be deadly for anyone, especially if you have children in the house.

When working with electricity, the first thing to do is to make sure everything you are working with is properly insulated. This includes the tools, equipment and even your clothes. This will ensure that through any mishaps, you will be protected against any flaws in the system. Insulation can often be life-saving, which is why insulated equipment is easily available to purchase for these kinds of jobs. Make sure that the material of your tools’ handle is made up of a reliable insulator, and try to wear gloves at all times.

Avoid Moisture

In matters this sensitive, one can never be too careful. The slightest dampness on moisture on any surface can be deadly when working with electricity. Insulation can help with this, but it is always best to take extra precautions to ensure that everything in the near vicinity is completely dry. For this, you should always conduct a thorough inspection of everything you may be coming into contact with while working.

Make sure to keep your tools and other equipment in a dry, sheltered area. If your ladder isn’t fully insulated, do not place it on damp soil when working at a certain height. This one is a given, but do not ever work with electricity during a storm, or even if there is a prediction of such weather. This way, a lot of the danger will automatically be eliminated.

Use a Tester

When doing any kind of electrical work, you must make sure not to be exposed to any wires with electricity running through them. These are called live wires and can be deadly if you come into direct contact with them. A tester is a handy gadget that can prevent this by allowing you to check whether or not the wire is neutral before beginning your task.

This is a safety precaution no one should skip, especially if you have little to no prior experience when working with electricity. Working with live wires can cause serious injuries, and in extreme cases, may even be fatal.

Avoid Using Extensions

Electrical safety does not necessarily mean protection against the dangers of working with electricity. A lot of the time, damages can simply be prevented by avoiding anything reckless. A lot of electrical disasters are the result of an overload. This could be for a number of reasons, but the most prominent one is when too many appliances are plugged into the same outlet. You must avoid doing this at all costs to ensure the safety of your home and belongings.

It is important to remember that even if the appliances are not directly plugged into an outlet, overcrowding extensions can be just as hazardous in this case.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Electrical disasters are often unpredictable. Anything can happen at any point during the day, and the best way to be protected from potential harm is to make sure your appliances are only turned on when in use. This way, regardless of any fluctuations in your electrical system, your home will never have to suffer consequences.

This is an especially common occurrence during power surges, when a spike in voltage can suddenly occur. Any appliances which are not plugged in at the time of the surge will be completely unaffected by it, resulting in a safer home regardless of the situation outside.

Safety and Practicality

There are certain accidents or emergencies which can end up being fatal. Delicate matters in your home must be dealt with in a quick and efficient manner, and electrical disasters rank quite high in this category. Understanding how electrical systems work, and being able to deal with these matters on your own can help create a safer living environment.

If you can do basic electrical work, you will not find yourself relying entirely on professional assistance to put a vital aspect of your home back in order in case of emergencies. That is why it is essential to have this skill, and following all necessary precautions is part of the job.