Electrical safety items will do more than keep our homes safe from possible electrical hitches. They also remind us to be careful, especially where electricity is involved.
Familiarizing yourself with each electrical item and its roles in keeping your home safe is crucial for your overall well being.
Although the digital era is slowly but surely introducing fresh items, these equipment’s functions remain the same: to protect you and your loved ones against electrical injuries. Here are the must-have electrical safety items for your home.
Table of Contents
1. Safety Switches
Electricity can be quite unpredictable at times and requires the highest levels of safety measures. Safety switches are a must-have in every home, even when power strips are involved.
Thanks to the digital platforms, finding and shopping for legit safety switches has become easier and more straightforward. As the name suggests, safety switches are responsible for preventing electrocution.
However, certified electrocution must be present to oversee the smooth process of installation. Wrong installation techniques could be disastrous to the entire household and the neighborhood at large.
The location is a sensitive factor since it determines how effective the safety switches will be. You must never install them too far from the switchboard, power outlet, or even your intended electrical appliance.
You must never lack safety switches around your home since they have a unique way of functioning. They interrupt the flow of electric current to an appliance immediately when a power outage occurs.
When buying a safety switch, consider the following factors:
- The AMP: Your electrician needs to be actively involved every step of the way. They should help you select the best safety switch for your home, depending on the amp.
- The volts: They determine the level of voltage that your ideal safety switch can handle. The most common types of voltages are 250V and 600V. Settle for the 600V if you own equipment or appliances that consume excessive electricity.
- Single or three phases – Single phase safety switches are best suited to operate around residential properties, while three phases have features that can meet a commercial establishment’s demands.
2. Surge Protectors
The name itself says it all, and they bear a resemblance to their electrical counterparts, the power strips. Power surges are always on the prowl, but we are never really sure when they will strike.
Rather than always live in fear of the unknown, a surge protector is the way to go. One of the main differences between power strips and surge protectors is that surge protectors are fitted with features capable of dealing with a major increase in electric current flow.
Another noticeable difference is that surge protectors are more expensive than power strips. The amount you spend on surge protectors is worth it since they are guaranteed to protect all your electrical appliances.
Here are guiding factors on how to choose a good surge protector:
- The value of your electrical appliance/equipment – An expensive surge protector saves you major damages caused by a sudden power interruption or an overflowing current.
- The level of protection – The joule rating indicated on your surge protector guides you on how much protection it has to offer your electrical equipment.
- The number of outlets needed – Surge protectors are fitted with varying power outlets depending on the user’s needs.
- The distance of your equipment from the outlet – This factor enables you to determine the surge protector’s appropriate cord length.
- The type of environment – There are different types of surge protectors suited for all kinds of environments.
- The warranty offered by manufacturers – Be keen on this factor as it comes in handy when the product becomes faulty.
With the help of your trusted electrician, look into other features that you think might be useful.
3. Fuses
Both homeowners and tenants must ensure that their safety is guaranteed by following up on the installation of fuses in their homes. Be warned that the installation of a fuse is quite an involving affair.
Seek the services of a long-serving and experienced electrician to have a fuse adequately installed. Aside from electrical safety, fuses have other benefits, including:
- They are affordable – A look into the market reveals how cost-effective fuses have become.
- They are reliable – Their original design shields them from the effects of wear and tear.
- Protects all the relevant components from damage due to its ability to limit high current from flowing recklessly.
- A reasonable level of selectivity – This means it can work effectively under both short-circuit conditions as well as overload.
- Manageable – Fuses are easy to maintain since they don’t require constant attention from an electrician.
One of the essential advantages of using fuses as electrical safety measures is that it’s durable. Their long life nature has seen them withstand the worst of conditions, hence remaining functional and strong.
The primary function is to close the circuit as it consists of a low-resistance wire through which the current flows.
4. Safety Plugs
These items assure you of utmost safety, especially when you have little ones running around the house. Safety plugs act as a covering on the outlets to prevent babies from inserting objects inside.
When buying them, be thoroughly informed to avoid purchasing counterfeits. Consider these factors when buying them:
- Durability: Quality safety plugs are sure to last you a long time and withstand all the rough handling from your playful little one.
- Affordable – They don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg for you to know that you’re purchasing a legit product.
- Outlet uniformity: A colorful set of safety plugs will only draw your child’s attention, causing them to do untold damages. Buy one that matches the color of your socket.
- Positive reviews: It’s not a guarantee that the newest electrical safety product on the market will work effectively. Check out the reviews to guide you during your purchase.
5. Smoke Alarms
They send early warnings before an upcoming emergency. Installing smoke alarms in your home setting requires you to check on its condition as often as possible.
One way to test your smoke alarms is by pressing the test button. Do this test every week to ensure that your newly installed smoke alarm is fully functional. Also, be intentional about the battery by changing it frequently.
Final Thoughts
Electrical safety is paramount for any residence to thrive. Always check all the parameters around your home to ensure that each of the safety devices installed is in top-notch condition.
Home electrical safety tips are the steps you should follow to prevent lightning strike injuries. This includes everything in your home, including lighting and extension cords. It also includes appliances such as clothes dryers, dishwashers, stoves/ovens and refrigerators.
A common electrical hazard in homes is damaged electrical wiring. Be careful when handling extension cords as they can easily trip or trip over appliances, causing short circuits and electric shocks.
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