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Electricty in and Around the Home

By: Mark Tinkler

Electricity has grow to be the driving force in every up to date technology idea and device that we're enjoying nowadays. But, however useful electricity is, there continues to be quite a considerable incidence of electricity-related accidents all over the planet. Every year, electrical incidents account for thousands of people who sustain a shock injury, burns of varying degrees and worst of all, loss of life due to electrical faults.
Why is Electricity so Dangerous?
Overhead power lines that transport about 500,000 volts are not insulated. Substations and transformers include "live" components that are dangerous. Underground cables are well insulated, but any sharp object like a shovel for example could potentially damage them, therefore producing an electric shock. Electricity always will find the shortest way to the earth. It will seek any good conductor that it can pass through to get to the ground. Because your body is approximately 70% water, it instantly becomes a good conductor for electricity. If you touch a live wire whilst your feet are touching the earth, electricity will pass through your body to get to the ground causing an electric shock that can be wounding or even deadly.
Electric current can also produce extensive burns inside your body. The lung and heart muscles can also be affected by electric shock. Direct current (DC) can make muscles against your will contract while alternating current (AC) can cause the heart to fibrillate.
Power lines are not the only cables that can harm you if you make contact to them. Household electrical appliances and wires also have the capability to harm you if you don't know how to take precautions. December is the most dangerous month in terms of electrical fires. This is because there are more indoor activities all through this month that cause a rise inthe need for lighting, heating and appliance usage.
Electrical Safety Tips.
A number of electricity-related accidents can be avoided by observing easy safety tips in the home. It is essential that you educate the children about observing and using electrical safety procedures.
Electrical Sockets and Cables.
Check plug sockets for wobbly fitting plugs that could overheat and create a fire. If wall plates are missing or damaged be sure to replace them. If there are offspring in the house, cover all wall outlets as a safety precaution and tell your kids not to play around the sockets. If possible, cover wall outlets or sockets with furniture.
See to it that cables are in good condition and not frayed or worn. Cables must not be nailed onto walls or placed under heavy flooring. Donot put any furniture on top of them. If you are using extension cables, make sure that they are not overloaded. Extension cables ought to only be used on a temporary basis only. When unplugging cables remember to pull the plug from the outlet and not the cable itself.
Electrical Appliances.
All unused equipment must be unplugged and their cables out of reach from young kids, pets. Ensure that appliances that create heat have some clearance all around for cooling and air flow. When using equipment follow instructions and do not carry out repairs that you are not qualified to do. It is best to keep all electrical devices away from places where water is present such as sinks, lavatories, swimming pools, tubs or any overhead vents that might drip. Keep in mind not to operate electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing in water. If you have radiators, heating vents or space heaters, keep away articles of clothing, toys, curtains or any combustible materials.
Outdoor Electrical Safety.
It has long been noticed that some people mistakenly elect to use electric lawn mowers or tools when it is raining or when the grass is wet. Stop! You'll only electricute yourself.

If there are segments of a tree that are near the power lines, make sure you trim them. If you are not able to do it, call the local tree surgeon and ask for help in pruning the tree. Stay away from power lines when you are flying kites or model airplanes. If there is an electrical storm (lightning) do not swim or play near water. If you see a power line that is down, don’t handle it, even if you think it's not "live". Call the proper establishment.

Article Source: http://sports-articles.net

I have always had the properties that I own maintained by the same electrician london company and over the years they have saved me a lot of money, just by giving me some very useful advise.

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