DIY Electrical Safety
Before we get into the safety concerns of specific electrical items, the following are tips which should be known up front before proceeding with any DIY electrical projects: • Never have water anywhere near electrical devices.
Walls should not even be washed without first switching off the power.
• If it is possible that a plug, socket, or piece of equipment may have water on it, do not use until you are certain that it is dry • Make sure that you read the instructions that are provided with extension cables so as not to overheat.
Plug Safety • Do not place too many adaptors or plugs in one socket.
• Do not permit flexes and cables to become frayed or bent.
Plugs should be in mint condition and closed tightly.
• Make sure that all plugs are adequately fused as this will protect the flexes and cables from becoming overheated.
RCD Safety RCD devices respond to changes in current flow and disconnect power supplies when there is a malfunction, such as a cable or flex becoming cut, so as to prevent electrocution.
RCDs come in multiple forms: as part of socket outlets, portable adaptors, stand-alone units, modular units.
Keep in mind that, although RCDs are essential, they are not a guarantee that you will be protected.
Therefore, take care when using any form of cable or equipment, particularly when there is a risk of damaging a cable, thereby exposing yourself to electrical shock.
Fuse Safety It is essential that new appliances possess plugs that are correctly fused per manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that you check older appliances before using them to make sure that the fuses are still intact.
If a fuse happens to blow for no apparent reason or you find that an appliance is not functioning properly, turn off the appliance and unplug before you attempt to find the source of the problem.
If the problem is still not found, take the piece to a professional before you use.
When it comes to circuit breakers and fuse boxes, you should also turn off at the main prior to investigating any problems.
Also remember to place the cover back on before you turn back on.
If a main fuse needs to be changed, make sure that you are fixing correctly as it is possible that the fuse which was blown was incorrect to begin with.
If you are ever in doubt, don't hesitate from to contact an expert.
Walls should not even be washed without first switching off the power.
• If it is possible that a plug, socket, or piece of equipment may have water on it, do not use until you are certain that it is dry • Make sure that you read the instructions that are provided with extension cables so as not to overheat.
Plug Safety • Do not place too many adaptors or plugs in one socket.
• Do not permit flexes and cables to become frayed or bent.
Plugs should be in mint condition and closed tightly.
• Make sure that all plugs are adequately fused as this will protect the flexes and cables from becoming overheated.
RCD Safety RCD devices respond to changes in current flow and disconnect power supplies when there is a malfunction, such as a cable or flex becoming cut, so as to prevent electrocution.
RCDs come in multiple forms: as part of socket outlets, portable adaptors, stand-alone units, modular units.
Keep in mind that, although RCDs are essential, they are not a guarantee that you will be protected.
Therefore, take care when using any form of cable or equipment, particularly when there is a risk of damaging a cable, thereby exposing yourself to electrical shock.
Fuse Safety It is essential that new appliances possess plugs that are correctly fused per manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that you check older appliances before using them to make sure that the fuses are still intact.
If a fuse happens to blow for no apparent reason or you find that an appliance is not functioning properly, turn off the appliance and unplug before you attempt to find the source of the problem.
If the problem is still not found, take the piece to a professional before you use.
When it comes to circuit breakers and fuse boxes, you should also turn off at the main prior to investigating any problems.
Also remember to place the cover back on before you turn back on.
If a main fuse needs to be changed, make sure that you are fixing correctly as it is possible that the fuse which was blown was incorrect to begin with.
If you are ever in doubt, don't hesitate from to contact an expert.
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