Electrical safety serves to protect you from hazards. It’s important to take precautionary measures before you start on electrical repairs on your own. Consider safety as your top priority. Handling electrical wiring, new electric installations, and electrical repairs are a meticulous processes. The minor electric issues can be handled at home on our own, however, for the more complex electrical issues it’s important to acquire professional assistance on the project to prevent any hazards such as burns and shocks.
Safety First
The first and foremost tip to avoid these hazards is to test the devices and wires for power. If the power is active, you must turn off the power supply and then proceed to run the same test on the circuit wires and devices. Make sure the power supply has been shut off and you can begin your work. Be extremely careful with live wires as they can give you electric shock.
Ensure Grounding and Polarization
While repairing electrical systems, it is important to ensure circuits are grounded and polarized. This is the best way to avoid electrical shock. Grounding is also referred to as earthing. A grounded electrical system acts as a backup pathway for the electric current. In case something goes wrong with the electrical system, this pathway acts as an alternative route for the current to flow back into the ground through the wiring system.
Polarization ensures that the current is flowing in the right direction for example, a toaster. The appliance is plugged into the wall although the ‘on’ switch located on the toaster controls the voltage through the hot wire. The hot wire acts as a receptacle which is polarized because it can only be plugged into the electrical outlet one way. Polarized electrical plugs are considered a safety feature.
It is our professional recommendation to follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram before repairing or replacing electrical appliances or lighting. Review and understand your home’s grounding system in order to keep polarization and grounding in check. It’s critical to consider grounding and polarization when installing plugs or outlets. Consider leaving your DIY project repair or installation to a professional unless you are very confident in your skills.
Tighten the Connections
Loose connections do not allow the current to flow smoothly and it can lead to an electrical hazard. These loose connections not only restrict the flow of electricity but they create heat and friction. In order to prevent any fire or electrical hazards from happening it’s advised to use certified wire connectors while splicing the wires together. Keep all the connections firmly tightened and proceed on the project.
Why Hire a Professional Electrician?
We know you’d rather not fiddle with your electrical wiring or outlets unless you know exactly what you are doing. In cases of electrical risks, it is recommended to call a professional from an authorized electrical company. Knowledgeable electricians are well aware of the safety concerns and are pros in handling the big or small electrical issues.
Trying to handle electrical repairs or installations without any experience and knowledge, can lead to hazardous situations. Our Atlas Team is fully-trained and well-versed on the process of beginning a electrical job and working through the electrical job until it is completed. Let us put your mind at ease and call us at (956) 758-3669 to schedule an inspection of your electrical system. We’ll happily inspect and diagnose the problem and provide you with a quote!