What is an Electric Shock?
Electric shock is defined as a situation in which a person comes across an electrical energy supply, thus making the current flow through his or her body. This can result in major harm, such as burns, injuries, nerve system shocks, and heart failure. It is crucial to know how to avoid an electric shock in a house, as this may be helpful knowledge to have.
What to Avoid so as Not to Receive an Electric Shock at Your Home
- Unplug Appliances When Not in Use: Switch off appliances every time they are not in use, as far as possible. This act eliminates cases of touching live wires by mistake.
- Keep Electrical Devices Away from Water: Water is a good conductor of electricity. These are the safety measures that help to prevent conditions like electric shock, which results when devices come into contact with water.
- Regularly Inspect Cords and Plugs: Some of the common electrical hazards that lead to electric shock include broken cords or plugs. To ensure that they only operate efficient equipment, the fire department needs to replace or fix any faulty equipment.
- Install (GFCIs): It works by switching off the circuit when there is an inequality in the flow of the current, minimizing the chances of a shock.
- Avoid Overloading Outlets: When many devices are connected to a single outlet, there is a risk of overheating and electric shock. To manage multiple devices, use surge protectors.
How to Know the Danger of Electric Shock on the Home
Electric Sockets and Extension Boards
Of all the sources of electric shock, electrical outlets are perhaps the most familiar to most people. This is particularly true in houses that are old; loose connections lead to overheating and shocks that originate from overloaded outlets. Power strips must be used properly and should not be overloaded, and the cords connected to the strips should not be damaged.
Water and Electricity
It is always dangerous to use the electrical equipment near the shower, near a basin, or in other wet places. It includes elements that are meant for use in washrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and other external facilities. If any electrical device/appliance falls into the water, you should not attempt to pick it up without turning its switch off. Electric appliances must not come into contact with wet hands.
Childproofing Your Home Against the Dangers of Electric Shock
It is common knowledge that children are playful and love trying out things, like electrical appliances or outlets. Outlet covers should be used to remove the temptation for children to put things into the sockets. Make sure that your kids know these risks of being near electrical equipment and products and teach them to avoid contact with them.
Electric Shock Safety Measures
- Always Turn Off the Power: Any electrical project that one undertakes should start with confirmation that the power supply has been switched off at the source, which is the switchboard.
- Use Proper Insulation: When using wires, observe that they are insulated so that one cannot have a direct connection with the current.
- Hire a Professional: When it comes to major electrical work, hiring a licensed electrician is a requirement. Repairing complicated issues leads to poor repairs and, most importantly, getting a shock.
- Educate Your Household: It is also important that everybody at your home be aware of some of the basic electrical precautions, like never using wet hands when handling electrical appliances or placing electrical appliances near the sink or any source of water.
