Electrical safety is an undeniably important aspect of home safety. To maintain undisturbed electrical connectivity and utilise its perks you must learn the basic safety rules and regulations. Whether you are the homeowner or a tenant living in a rental home, in Australia you are responsible for the electrical safety of your house. So here are some electrical safety tips that you should know and make your family learn too so that you all can ensure the electrical safety of your home.
Understanding How The Home Electrical System Works
Before we begin on safety tips, let’s first understand how the electrical system works in your home.
Your entire home is connected through switch boards, they are connected to the main power supply board through the respective circuit breakers. So each of the circuits have limited capacity and a specific network of wires connected to a certain switch. Once you switch on, the specific circuit gets connected and you get a desired result.
When you plug in a lot of appliances, gadgets together and use them all together, you create an overload on the circuit. This generates so much heat. If there is any faulty wiring, a tiny bit of spark or overheating can start a house fire. So this is where electrical safety tips come into play.
Electrical Safety Tips For Homeowners
Here are the top 7 must follow tips for homeowners to ensure electrical safety at home,
1. Regularly Inspect & Repair Minor Faults
The most important, effective and possibly the simplest way to ensure electrical safety at home is through regular inspection. We recommend that you call a certified electrician every few years to get assured feedback on your electrical health. These inspections may seem insignificant, but it is the best policy as the experts are well informed and aware of everything regarding electrical faults, and how to ensure your home’s safety and prevent future problems. You can save yourself and your family from deadly issues like house fires.
2. Avoid Overloading Circuits
You may be tech-savvy, an ardent gadget lover at heart, or you heavily rely on different home appliances for day-to-day activities. It feels great to live in a modern home with access to everything at your disposal. The single most important thing here is to take care of the load on your electrical circuit. You can use power strips to reduce the load while installing a new appliance. This will save you from house fires due to overheating.
3. Keep Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are a vital part of electrical safety. You have to make sure that the smoke alarms are installed in the vital areas of your home, like the kitchen, bedrooms, and hallways. Keep testing them regularly so that they work correctly and replace batteries as needed. A simple step like this can be a lifesaver in emergencies like electrical fire.
4. Follow Electrical Appliances’ Guidelines
When you use one or many electrical appliances, always follow the manufacturer’s guides and instructions. You must avoid using appliances with damaged cords or plugs. Try to keep them unplugged when you are away for a long time or you are simply not using them regularly.
5. Install Safety Switches
Safety switches, or Residual Current Devices (RCDs), are essential elements to protect against electric shocks. These devices automatically cut the power when they detect a fault. Hence you get an extra layer of protection. All you have to do is install RCDs in your home and keep them checked regularly to maintain functionality.
6. Educate Your Family
Electrical safety isn’t just about having the right equipment; it’s also about awareness. Educate your family members, especially children, about the dangers of electricity and the importance of not tampering with electrical outlets and appliances. Promote good habits, such as not running cords under rugs or using wet hands when handling electrical devices.
7. Hire a Qualified Electrician
For any electrical work or repairs, always hire a licensed electrician. DIY electrical work can be dangerous and may not meet safety standards. A qualified electrician from Gen Y Electrical can ensure that all work is performed safely and in compliance with Australian electrical codes.
8. Maintain Dry Environment
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Ensure that all electrical outlets, switches, and appliances are kept dry and away from sources of moisture. If you experience any water damage or leaks, address the issue promptly and consult a professional to inspect the electrical components.
Conclusion
It is a fundamental responsibility of every homeowner and tenant to maintain electrical safety. It is one of the primary aspects of home management that you should never overlook. By following these tips you can be ready at any given point to tackle the emergencies as well as maintain a safe environment at home.
At Gen Y Electrical, we offer professional advice and services tailored to your specific needs. We are here to ensure a safe and secure home for everyone. If you are looking for certified electricians in Rockingham and surrounding areas, call us today.
