Electrical Safety Tips

  • Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
  • Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
  • Never overload electrical outlets, and use only one appliance per extension cord.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet
  • Have a professional electrician replace old or damaged outlets with modern, three-wired, polarized receptacles. Proper grounding is essential to minimize fire and shock hazards.
  • Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
  • Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools with the guards removed.
  • Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the power source first.
  • Regularly check cords for cranks, kinks, splints, or frays before each use.
  • Don’t remove a plug from a power point by pulling on the cord; pull the plug instead.
  • Do not use extension leads or power leads in wet areas –
  • Ensure electrical cords are kept out of reach of children.
  • If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker is tripped, don’t just replace or reset it. Find out what Caused the circuit to overload and correct the problem.
  • Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds the amperage rating for a given circuit.
  • Avoid using several high-amperage appliances - such as irons or other heat-producing appliances - on the same circuit.
  • If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.
  • Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.
  • Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fiberglass) when working with or near electricity or power lines.
  • Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
  • Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit.
  • Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
  • Never replace a fuse with material that conducts electricity. Warning signs
  • Use bulbs with the correct wattage.
  • Always screw bulbs tightly.
  • Always unplug or switch off the fixture before replacing a bulb.
  • Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) ;these provide the same level of light at a lower wattage level, which is safer.
  • Avoid overloading plugs, sockets, and extension cords.
  • Replace tools that give off any mild electric shocks.
  • Replace light switches that are flickering.
  • Replace light switches with hot faceplates. Warm is okay—hot is bad.
  • Replace all damaged cords.
  • Never attempt electrical repairs if you don’t have the expertise and certification
  • Never fight an electrical fire with water— instead, reach for the fire extinguisher or baking soda. Water conducts electricity, so the fire could actually ignite further.
  • Learn how to use a fire extinguisher effectively: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep.
  • Watch for tripping breakers: it’s a very important warning if you’re circuit breaker is immediately tripping after you’ve reset it. It’s forewarning you that there’s an electrical hazard in the house
  • Turn off electrical appliances when they’re not in use; always attend to them when they’re on.
  • Keep all flammable objects a few feet away from heaters and any appliances that tend to heat up quickly (computers, televisions, etc.).
  • Ensure that the appliances which you purchase have been approved by a reputable consumer laboratory.
  • Always unplugged unused appliances.
  • Touch appliances with dry hands only.
  • Always turn off power before you plug or unplug the appliances.
  • Keep your electrical devices away from sources of water.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
  • Never overload electrical outlets, and use only one appliance per extension cord.
  • Avoid using several high-amperage appliances - such as irons or other heat-producing appliances - on the same circuit.
  • Never use any electrical appliance near water
  • Never leave an electrical appliance where it can fall into the bath or basin
  • Never leave an electrical appliance unattended around children
  • Do not use portable heaters in bathroom areas
  • Use extreme care when using electrical appliances near sinks, baths or swimming pools
  • Never use appliances with faulty, frayed, exposed or cracked electrical wires.
  • Never leave your home with heat producing appliances still operating (e.g. oven, microwave, iron, hair styling tools)
  • Ensure appliances are installed in well ventilated areas to prevent overheating.
  • Stay away from electricity poles, PMT’s and Sub Stations.
  • Stay away from accumulated water around electrical installations.
  • Don't attempt to repair electrical system or pull tree limbs off lines.
  • Portable generators should be installed separately from service connection.
  • Don’t touch wet electrical switches; do not touch switches on poles for street lights.
  • Do not tie motorcycles or bicycles to electric poles.