Maintaining electrical safety is important not only because you want to protect your shiny new gadgets but also because you want to keep the house from burning down.
Electrical safety also encompasses making sure we follow the right codes and maintain compliance accordingly, among other things.
Today, we’ll answer the burning question of why electrical safety is important. Stay tuned as we navigate the importance together and ensure, once and for all, you adhere to the right safety measures, keeping you, your family, and your property safe from harm.
Protecting Lives
The first and most important reason why electrical safety is important definitely has to be to protect and safeguard lives. Over 500 people die from electrical fires in the U.S. alone every year.
Thousands more get injured from some type of electrical hazard, such as electrocution, which claims another 400-500 lives every year in the U.S.
Whether it’s due to neglected safety measures or faulty equipment, countless electrical accidents injure and kill people around the world. Here are a few tips on how we can practice electrical safety to protect lives.
- Use electricity-safe, insulated tools and wear protective gear when working with electrical equipment or electricity supplies.
- Keep electrical equipment, cords, and devices away from damp areas and water. Install GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Keep children and pets away from exposed wires and power strips or surge protectors. Insulate them or place them out of reach.
Preventing Property Damage
Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of residential and commercial property damage. From unsafe wiring, overloaded circuits, and outdated electrical systems can start devastating fires. Hundreds and thousands of dollars worth of damage is caused, financially crippling property owners and, in many cases, setting them up for complex legal battles.
Below are some tips on how you can prevent property damage by practicing electrical safety.
- Don’t overload circuits with multiple devices.
- Replace damaged or frayed wires immediately. Don’t plug in damaged cords or sockets.
- Make sure to schedule regular inspections to make sure your electrical system is up-to-date and running. Whether you’re looking for professional electricians in New York or looking to schedule electrical inspections in St. Louis, MO, you must thoroughly research potential professionals or companies before you book them.
- In case of any suspected mishaps, evacuate the property immediately and contact firefighters and/or professional electricians to manage and contain any potential electrical fires.
Compliance With Safety Standards
Government and industry regulations, like the National Electrical Code (NEC), establish strict safety requirements for electrical installations and maintenance. Not complying with necessary codes and regulations can lead to penalties, shutdowns, or increased insurance prices and premiums.
It’s always smart to make sure you’re aligning with the codes as best as possible to avoid any unwanted complications. Check out the tips below to practice proper compliance with electrical safety standards.
- Hire certified electricians for installations and repairs.
- Stay informed, educated, and up-to-date about local electrical codes and regulations.
- Maintained detailed and thorough records of inspections and upgrades, if any have been made.
Improving Workplace Safety
In workplaces, maintaining electrical safety protects employees and makes sure all operations remain uninterrupted. Faulty wiring or unsafe practices may lead to accidents that disrupt work and productivity.
Practicing electrical safety in the workplace also prevents companies from incurring hefty fees in legal liabilities.
We’ve got some tips below to improve electrical safety in the workplace.
- Carry out regular employee training on electrical safety protocols. Make sure that they all understand and are well-informed on how to use the electrical equipment and device property.
- Make sure all the electrical equipment is accurately grounded and maintained with utmost safety and precision.
- Post clear signage around high-voltage and danger-prone areas to warn employees and keep them away from danger.
Energy-Efficiency and Cost Savings
When you practice proper electrical safety, you’re also saving energy. Adequately maintained electrical equipment is energy-efficient and saves money on high energy bills.
Faulty wiring and outdated, badly maintained electrical devices consume excess energy and drive up costs, an unnecessary burden on the homeowner and companies running commercial establishments.
Look at these tips below to see how you can enjoy energy efficiency and cost savings with proper electrical safety.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances that come with safety and compliance certifications.
- Turn off and unplug unused devices to prevent phantom energy usage.
- Replace and upgrade old and outdated wiring to modern, updated, and energy-efficient systems. Yes, modern devices may cost a little extra, but the long-term benefits make every dime invested worth it.
- Use power strips, multi-plugs, and surge protectors to protect devices and appliances during power spikes and unexpected voltage up-downs.
Preventing Risks in Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor electrical systems, like landscape lighting or holiday decorations, come with their own set of unique dangers that require a little bit of special attention. Weather conditions, moisture, and improper use of equipment can lead to unexpected electrical shocks or damage.
Check out these tips below to prevent risks outdoors by practicing proper electrical safety.
- Always use extension cords and separate devices for outdoor use. Have a separate place to store your outdoor electrical essentials so they don’t cause any issues.
- Make sure that outdoor electrical connections and wiring are properly insulated, sealed, and certified to be weatherproof.
- Turn off outdoor power during storms to avoid potential hazards. Make sure to also do the same during snowfall.
- Keep cords and equipment far away from water sources like pools or fountains, as well as damp areas like gardens and moist vegetative areas.
Conclusion
And there you have it! We hope we were able to instill in you the importance of electrical safety. When you practice proper electrical safety, you can protect lives and property and ensure compliance with necessary codes.
Remember, it always pays off to be safer, and when it comes to electrical equipment, you need to be a tad extra safe.