By: Stephen Drummonsy
Submitted: 2010-08-02 05:03:41 | Word Count: 774
Electricity has become the driving force in every modern technology design and gadget that we're enjoying these days. But, however useful electricity is, there remains quite a considerable incidence of electricity-related accidents throughout the planet. Every year, electrical accidents account for thousands of people who sustain a shock injury, burns of varying levels and most horrible of all, loss of life due to electrical faults.
Why is Electricity so Dangerous?
Overhead power lines that transport roughly 500,000 volts are not insulated. Substations and transformers possess "live" parts that are treacherous. Underground wires are well insulated, but any sharp object like a shovel for instance could potentially damage them, thus generating an electric shock. Electricity always will discover the shortest path to the ground. It will seek every good conductor that it can pass through to get to the ground. As 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 ground, electricity will pass through your body to get to the ground causing an electric shock that can be wounding or even lethal.
Electric current can also generate extensive burns within your body. The lung and heart muscles can also be affected by electric shock. Direct current (DC) can make muscles involuntarily contract while alternating current (AC) can cause the heart to fibrillate.
[ advertisement ]
Power lines are not the only cables that will damage you if you make contact to them. Household electrical appliances and wires also have the capability to harm you if you do not know how to take precautions. December is the most dangerous month in terms of electrical fires. This is because there are more indoor activities through this month that cause a rise inthe need for lighting, heating and appliance usage.
Electrical Safety Tips.
A number of electricity-related mishaps can be avoided by observing simple safety tips in the house. It is important that you educate your children about observing and practicing electrical safety procedures.
Electrical Sockets and Cables.
Check plug sockets for loose fitting plugs which could overheat and cause a fire. If wall plates are lost or broken be sure to replace them. If there are children in the house, cover all wall outlets as a safety precaution and tell your children not to play around the sockets. If achievable, cover wall outlets or sockets with furniture.
See to it that cables are in good working order and not frayed or worn. Cables must not be nailed onto walls or placed under heavy carpeting. Donot put any furnishings 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 brief basis only. When unplugging cables remember to pull the plug from the outlet and not the cable itself.
Electrical Appliances.
All unused devices have got to be unplugged and their cables out of reach from young offspring, pets. Make sure that appliances that create heat have some clearance all around for cooling and air flow. When using devices follow instructions and do not carry out repairs that you are not experienced to do. It is best to keep all electrical appliances away from locations where water is present such as sinks, lavatories, swimming pools, tubs or any overhead vents that may drip. Bear 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 flammable materials.
Outdoor Electrical Safety.
It has long been seen that some people mistakenly decide to use electric lawn mowers or tools when it is raining or when the grass is wet. Stop! You will only electricute yourself.
If there are pieces 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 touch it, even if you think it's not "live". Call the proper authorities.
Author Resource:-
I have continually had the properties that I possess maintained by the same electrician london business and over the years they have saved me a batch of money, a lot of the time it was merely by providing me with exceptionally helpful advise.
