Introduction: Electrical work in your home is crucial, but if not done properly, it can lead to serious risks, including electrical shocks that could even be life-threatening. In this blog, we’ll highlight some critical safety tips to follow when undertaking electrical work in your house. These tips will help ensure that you avoid accidents and costly mistakes while keeping your home safe and functional.
Real-Life Incident: Before we dive into the tips, let’s discuss a real-life incident that happened during a kitchen installation. The kitchen was fitted with stainless steel cabinets, and during the installation, screws were drilled into the walls to secure the cabinets. Unfortunately, the site engineer didn’t notice that electrical pipes were running behind the wall where the screws were being inserted. Without informing the client, the screws were driven into the wall, causing a dangerous situation. As a result, the entire kitchen became electrified, putting everyone at risk of electric shocks. This could have been deadly if someone had touched the cabinet.
Important Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Use the Right Wiring for ACs: When installing air conditioners, always ensure that you are using 4mm wire, not the standard 2mm wire. The thicker wire ensures better safety and durability, reducing the risk of electrical mishaps.
- Install RCC for Safety Near Geysers and ACs: You can install RCC (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) near geysers and ACs. The RCC will automatically trip in case of any electrical leak, ensuring that the current is cut off before anyone gets shocked. This is an essential safety measure for all high-voltage appliances.
- Secure Drain and Copper Pipes: Ensure that the drain pipes and copper pipes near your AC are properly secured and photographed. If you’re planning to add any laminate panels or frame artwork on the wall in the future, it’s crucial to know the exact location of these pipes to avoid damaging them with screws or nails. This will help prevent leaks and the risk of electric shocks.
- Use Brass Screws for Switchboards: When installing switchboards, always use brass screws to secure the plates. Brass is a better conductor and ensures that the switchboard stays tightly in place. If you can’t find brass screws, avoid using sharp-tipped gypsum screws, as they can easily penetrate the wiring behind the wall. Once the sharp tip gets into the wiring, it can cause a short circuit and lead to electrical shocks.
Why These Tips Matter: By following these simple but crucial steps, you can avoid serious accidents that could harm you or your loved ones. Electrical work is not something to take lightly, and even a small oversight can lead to life-threatening consequences.
Conclusion: Before starting any electrical work in your home, make sure to consult a professional and go through a checklist. If you don’t know how to inspect the safety features of your wiring or if you’re unsure about the installation process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified expert. Safety should always be the priority when dealing with electricity.
