Your home relies on electricity. Although you never want to imagine any sort of danger or catastrophe happening on your property, electrical disasters can and do happen. You might not be an electrician, but it is important to have a good understanding of some of the worst types of electrical disasters and how you can make sure they don’t happen to you.
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are a leading cause of household fires in Australia. Some of the most common reasons these types of fires occur are because of aged or faulty wiring. Additionally, overheated power boards and sockets can increase the risk of electrical fires. Faulty appliances and electrical equipment being misused could contribute to increased risk, as well.
Electrical fires are considered class E fires and they are highly dangerous. Do not use water to put them out. You should instead use a dry chemical fire extinguisher. You should attempt to turn off the main power in the house if it is safe to do so, as well. However, don’t do anything that could put you or your family in danger. If the fire has spread, it’s best to evacuate the home, get everyone out, and call for help.
You can also learn to prevent these disasters before they happen. Prevention is the best option. Let’s consider some of the ways you can get your home in better shape, so these electrical fires are less of a risk.
First, you will want to consider getting some upgrades if you have old wiring and outlets. If they haven’t been updated in 20 years or so, it might be time to find a professional electrician to get an upgrade. You will also want to keep an eye on certain types of warning signs.
These include issues like power fluctuations, flickering lights, constantly blowing fuses, constant tripping of circuit breakers, and a burning smell. If you aren’t sure whether your home might be at risk or not, it’s time to get in touch with professional electricians for an inspection.
Electric Shocks
One of the other types of potential electrical disasters that could happen in the home is an electrical shock. These shocks have the potential to cause serious injuries and even death. They can occur due to problems with outlets or appliances, or when water and electricity mix. They are highly dangerous, and you need to be as careful as possible around them.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent electric shock. These precautions can help to increase your home’s safety.
First, you will want to inspect electric cords for signs of fraying before you use them. If there are issues with the cord, you should have it repaired or replaced. Cords might become frayed over time, when they are moved a lot, or when an animal chews them.
Second, you will want to make sure you are not plugging too many things into the same outlet. This could create an unsafe situation that could not only potentially cause a fire but could also cause a shock.
If you have older appliances that aren’t working properly, it’s time to upgrade to something new. There is too much of a risk that they could end up causing an electrical shock because they are no longer in good working condition. If you can’t bear to get rid of the appliance, you could always opt to have it repaired by a professional instead.
Third, you must always remember that water and electricity do not mix. You want to keep your electric appliances away from anywhere with water, such as a sink, a tub, or even a toilet. There is the risk of dropping or knocking the appliance into the water by mistake. It’s instinct to try to grab something that’s falling. If your body comes into contact with the water and the appliance, there is a serious risk of a major electrical shock.
Fourth, it’s a good idea to put caps over your electrical outlets that aren’t being used, especially if you have kids. This can help to keep curious kids safe. Additionally, if you have an extension cord plugged into an outlet, make sure the other end of the cord is not somewhere the kids can access, as it could cause injuries and electrical shocks.
Fifth, be careful when you are out trimming trees or working around any power cords outside. You don’t want to mistakenly cut into one of the cords. It could be dangerous and cause a shock. If you do cut a wire, even if it looks safe, never touch it. Call in professional electricians to handle any issues you can’t take care of on your own.
These are some of the worst types of disasters—shocks and fires. As problematic as they can be, though, you’ll find that it is relatively easy to prevent them when you pay attention to what’s going on around you and use some preventative measures.
Maintenance and Inspections Are Essential
You don’t want to wait until you have a major electrical problem before you do something about your home’s safety. Instead, you need to make sure your home is protected now. This means getting inspections every few years and making sure everything is properly maintained.
Talk with professional electricians about coming to your property to ensure your electrical system is in good working condition. This can help you to rest easier at night. Check out these Perth electricians for a great example to keep yourself away from Electrical Disasters.
