Electrical Safety

Nowadays we take things for granted, especially when it comes to safety and electrical safety in particular. Things have come a long way in the safety of electrical installations and the chances of receiving a fatal shock from touching an exposed live conductor have dramatically decreased. One major breakthrough in domestic applications was the implementation on the ELCB (earth leakage circuit breaker) or RCD (residual current device). This device works by tripping when 30 milliamps or more escapes the designated circuit. This can happen when a person touches a live cable or exposed conductive part and the current leaves the designated circuit and travels through the person to earth. When the current leaves the designated circuit the coil in the RCD / ELCB becomes imbalanced. It is only balanced when the same current that goes out on the live comes back on the neutral. When an imbalance occurs the Earth Leakage Device trips. The RCD usually governs all of the socket circuits. This is because sockets supply power to non fixed appliances which are corded and can potentially become damaged exposing electrically conductive parts.

Electrical Safety for General Appliances:

Remove electrical appliances that have frayed or damaged cords or broken plugtops.

Turn off any appliances such as heaters, ovens and cooker hobs when leaving your home.

Ensure that there is enough space around appliances to prevent overheating of the appliance.

Extension cords should not be used in wet areas – unless they are rated for that purpose.

Turn off power points before plugging/unplugging appliances.

Make sure to remove lint of dust from exhaust or fan filters to ensure motors do not overheat.

Remove any ignitable material from cooker hobs, heaters and lamps.

Only Reci & ECSSA Registered electricians should be called upon to complete all of your electrical work and repairs.

Fuse-board / Consumer Unit

Be familiar as to where your fuse-board or consumer unit is located.

Make sure each breaker is clearly labelled as to what circuit is controls.

Make sure access to your fuse board is not obstructed.

Any work carried out on a fuse-board must be carried out by a registered electrical contractor.

Electricity & Water

Never touch anything electrical or exposed conductive part of any appliance or switch with wet hands or bare feet.

Don’t use extension leads or in wet areas unless they are specifically designed for this purpose.

If an electrical appliance has been immersed in water it must be dumped immediately.

Extreme care should be taken when using appliances connected to sockets near sinks, baths or swimming pools.

Power-lines:

Overhead power-lines can be fatal.

Power-lines can sway and sag in high winds.

Height restrictions should be put in place on any site where there are overhead power-lines.

Power-lines are difficult to see at during twilight in the morning or in the evening.

Ladders, tele-handlers, excavators,  and poles should be kept well clear of overhead power lines.

All of the above tips have been provided by Galway Electrician . ie and Accurate Electrical Solutions. If you are looking for an electrician in Galway with many years of experience within the electrical trade then look no further than Galway Electrician . ie. Frankie Mcloughlin, qualified and registered electrical contractor has worked on a huge number of electrical contracts throughout Galway City and county over the past number of years and continues to expand business in the electrical trade. Galway Electrician and Accurate Electrical Solutions hope that you have enjoyed reading our electrical safety tips and that you have taken it all on board. Remember to stay safe around electricity. If you wish to talk about anything regarding electrical safety please do not hesitate to contact us by visiting our contact page.