If you’re a new homeowner, there’s a ton to learn about maintaining your new home. Part of that includes learning about safety, including how to prevent electric shocks. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just getting started, the list of skills you need to keep your home maintained includes the ability to remain safe. Part of that is having a basic understanding of household hazards — such as electricity — and knowing when to call one of the many expert electrician companies out there. We have years of experience working with homeowners when it comes to electrical repairs, and we’ve had the chance to see some of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes homeowners make when it comes to dealing with electrical currents. Here are a few tips to help you prevent electrical shocks in your home.
Keep a safe distance between your appliances and water sources
This is a basic safety precaution that many of us forget. Water conducts electricity, so plugging in a refrigerator somewhere where water can easily pool is a recipe for disaster. The most common places where these issues occur are the bathroom and kitchen. Make sure your dishwasher and other appliances are safely grounded in the kitchen and installed sufficiently far away from water sources. And be careful with the installation of lighting in the bathroom. Most importantly, try to avoid using appliances such as hairdryers over water-filled sinks and tubs.
Let your appliances run through completion
Don’t unplug appliances when they’re operating, otherwise known as running under load. Unplugging a running appliance such as a washing machine in the middle of a cycle increases the possibility of a destructive electrical arc that can harm you or cause damage to the appliance.
Work with insulated tools when making repairs
This is an extremely important point for DIYers — always work with insulated tools. While we’d like to think that we always know what we’re going to encounter when mounting a picture frame or tweaking that washing machine, the reality is we can never operate with perfect certainty. And when it comes to dealing with electricity, this means working under the assumption that we might encounter live electrical wiring in unexpected places. The best way to keep yourself safe when working in your home is to always use insulated tools that direct the current away from you in case of accidental contact.
We understand that dealing with maintenance and repairs can be complex, particularly when they involve electricity — we’re here to help. Just reach out and schedule an appointment, and we’ll be more than happy to help you with whatever repairs you need.