Homeowners must avoid electric hazards because they cause serious injuries. However, most homeowners don’t know the proper devices and techniques that are used for protection. Various items can reduce and prevent electric injuries from electric hazards. Understanding how to use each method and procedure has benefits.
1. Insulation
Insulation can be used to avoid electric injuries. Common insulators include mica, glass, plastic, and rubber. Insulation is used to coat metal devices or other conductors to reduce and halt the flow of electricity. It prevents fires, shock, and short circuits. The insulation must be suitable for the specific voltage that is used to be effective. The conditions of the temperature also matter. Also, consider the environmental elements, such as oil, moisture, corrosive fumes, and other elements that cause an insulator to fail.
They are many kinds of insulation, and they are usually color coded. Insulated equipment used for grounding is usually a solid green or green with yellow stripes. Insulation used to cover grounded conductors are usually gray or white. Conductors that are not grounded are often red or black. However, they can also be any color that is not green, white, or gray.
Before using electrical equipment with a power source, inspect the insulation for defects Insulation that covers flexible cords is very vulnerable to damage.
2. Guarding
Guarding involves locating electrical equipment, so people are not harmed by accident. Proper guarding requires equipment that operates at 50 volts or more. The equipment must be placed in an area that is accessible to authorized people who are qualified to use it. The best locations are a vault, balcony, or a high location.
Conspicuous signs must be used near electrical areas. This will alert people that there is an electrical hazard in the area. The sign must include a word such as, Danger, Caution, or Warning. Under any of these choices, there should be instructions, such as High Voltage, Danger, or Keep Out.
3. Grounding
Grounding is a tool that generates a low-resistance path from the ground. It prevents voltage build up that causes an electrical accident. Grounding is generally used as a secondary measure of protection against shock. It doesn’t prevent injuries all of the time. However, it reduces the risks of electrical injuries.
A grounding system is designed to protect tools, machines, and insulation from damage. One wire is called grounded. During a general low-voltage circuit, the gray wire is grounded at the generator near the entrance of a location.
The grounding equipment also protects the individual who operates the equipment. It furnishes another path. The path lets the current travel from the machine to the ground. This protects the operator if issues occur.
4. Circuit Protection Devices
Circuit protection devices prevent the flow of a current if there is a ground fault, a short circuit, or an overload. The best examples of circuit protection devices are circuit breakers and fuses. Circuit breakers and fuses break the circuit when too much current travels through them automatically. When this occurs, circuit breakers will trip a circuit open. Fuses have a different function; they will melt.
Safety Practices
Electrical accidents can be prevented by using various safety practices or contacting a professional Cutler Bay electrician. For example, de-energize electric devices before repairs or inspections. However, electric-related injuries do occur. Consider consulting with a Miami personal injury lawyer if you have lost a loved one or someone you know has been injured as a result of any type of electric-related accident (or any accident) in which a 3rd party is at fault.