Though water is one of the major resources used for generating electricity, water and electricity never go hand in hand! And, when we particularly talk about rainy season, it is the season full of water. Hence, it is very important to take electrical safety precautions during the rainy season. Rains can be perilous. We often come across news of accident due to hazards of electricity like electric shocks or fire due to short circuit etc., more particularly during monsoon when there is rain and atmosphere is wet and humid. It is obvious that rains cause heavier electrical damage than any other season and therefore, precautions must be taken accordingly. Electrical hazards are fatal and they cause loss of lives in large numbers at times. Mostly such accidents happen due to negligence of user on the part of electrical safety rules. In this electrical safety article, we are therefore mentioning some electrical safety guidelines that you can do to protect your home, loved once, and avoid accidents caused due to electricity. By following such simple electrical safety tips, you can save yourself and your loved ones from the fatal accidents.
Electrical Safety Tips
01. Never On or Off the switches With Wet Hands
- The simplest rule is – Never ever touch any fuse or switch with wet hands during monsoon or particularly when it is raining. It’s a big NO. Never ever try putting on or off the switches of geyser, washing machine or mixture with wet hands. Do not use wet appliances or components. Replace it immediately in case it is required.
02. Prevent the Dampness, and Leakages of Water in the House
- See that no water comes in contact your electrical meter. Also see to it that water does not come in contact with the electrical wiring of your house. This happen mostly due to leakages or poor rain drainage system in the house. Do not touch anything electrical appliance that comes in contact with water.
03. Prevent Exposure to Live Wires and Electrical Parts
- Make sure no electrical wires are hanging loose around your house. Keep children out of reach of such wires. This can be most fatal.
04. Use the Right Size and Type of Electrical Wire
- Always use electrical wires of adequate capacity with ISI marks. Similarly, all the electrical appliances like Air conditioner, washing machine, Microwave oven, Water heater, Mixture etc., should also be of ISI mark from well reputed manufacturers.
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05. Remember to Unplug the Appliances After its Use
- Make sure to unplug the appliances after they are used. We often forget to unplug the appliances. This is the biggest mistake we all usually do.
06. Check Your Old Wiring Capacity
- If you are adding additional electrical appliances, please get checked your old wiring, i.e. whether it has the capacity to bear additional electrical load of these appliances or no? Always get it checked from licensed electrical contractor. Also get the test report from him and submit the test report to the local power supply company. If the connected electrical load is more than the sanctioned or contracted load, ensure to get it legalized so as to avoid the possible damage to the wires and appliances thereby avoiding accidents caused due to it.
07. Fix Overcurrent Protection Devices like MCB, ELCB, and Fuse
- It is recommended to use MCB, ELCB, and fuse etc., carrying ISI mark of appropriate capacity for all electrical appliances. It is always advisable to use ELCB to protect yourself from electrical shocks particularly during monsoon and in humid atmosphere.
08. Never Stand Around Electrical Poles
- Never stand around any electrical poles when it is raining or when the area around the pole is flooded with water.
09. Never Touch the Electrical Poles in Monsoon
- Never touch the electrical poles, its earthling wires, any street light poles or any electrical box during monsoon. Never tie any metallic wire or strings for drying clothes or for any other purpose. People in rural areas have the habit of tying their animals with such poles. Never do it. It is more than cruelty as it not only costs the life of the poor animals but can cause fatal accidents.
10. Prevent the Hazards of Electricity on Construction Site
- If any construction activity is going on, always maintain safe distance and margin from the nearest electrical conductor lines, poles and between building under construction or scaffolding etc.
11. Be Careful with the Height of Your Vehicle
- Never park your vehicles below the electrical lines, near or around the transformers. Take into consideration the height of your vehicle and be more careful while you move such vehicle below the electrical conductors.
12. Never Throw Waste and Scrap on Power Line
- Never throw any water, waste, metallic yarn, wire or any metallic scrap on the live power line or electrical poles from the windows or balconies as it can cause electrical shock.
13. Don’t Make Illegal Connection
- Never try to have unauthorized connection by anchoring the live wires illegally. Such acts invite accidents.
14. Hire a Licensed Electrician
- If any repairs are needed, get it done immediately through competent and authorized licensed persons only.
15. Inform the Power Supply Company for any Electrical Fault Around Your House
- If any electrical pole is tilted or any electrical wire is broken never touch it. Make sure to inform the power supply company immediately. If you find any short circuit or sparks taking place either in electrical meter, pole or in the transformer near your area, please inform the power supply company immediately.
Watch Electrical Safety Tips Video
If one follows the above electrical safety tips, it is possible to avoid accidents occurring due to electrical hazards like electrical shocks and fire, which can be dangerous than one can imagine. Yet, emergencies never knock and come! There is always some possibility of accidents how much precautions one takes. Hence, keep emergency phone numbers handy.
