Electricity has made our lives so much more convenient throughout the years, thanks to the many ways we can utilise it. However, we all know that electricity can be dangerous especially when it comes directly in contact with water, such as from the tap or the pool. As water is a great conductor, electricity coming in contact with water will cause serious burns or even death to anyone who gets in contact with it. This is why standards and safety precautions like safety switches have been developed and enforced .
In this article, we list down a few of the basic things you need to keep in mind for electrical and water safety at home.
Bathrooms
Keep your electrical appliances away from water sources or areas where there is an abundance of water supply. These include showers, toilets, faucets, sinks, and bath tubs, among others. As a general rule of thumb, keep sockets at around a 30-centimetre distance. If you absolutely have to have electrical equipment such as heaters near where water usually is, it is vital that you regularly have it checked to see if it is running properly and that there are no leaks around it. Also, check to see if you have proper drainage and ventilation as these contribute to a build-up of water.
Kitchen
People think that electrical wiring is always the culprit for faulty appliances, however, plumbing is just as much to blame. Sometimes inefficient plumbing can cause unnoticeable leaks that reach sockets or plugs. Damage can range anywhere from minor malfunctioning electrical equipment to completely destroying household appliances. Overlapping pipes and wires are also huge risks for you and your family.
Other things that are important to check are the dishwasher and the fridge. See if they are still in working condition and are able to handle excess moisture well. Properly removing excess moisture from the area is vital to avoid contact with electrical wirings and plugs.
Outdoors
It is harder to keep moisture away from electrical equipment once you are outside. Several factors such as pets, weather, and humidity come into play. There are a few safety precautions you can take, such as keeping electrical equipment away from the pool and possibly under an elevated shed. You will also need to make sure that there is proper drainage around the pool just in case you have one that overflows. Always make sure that your hands are dry before handling any equipment.
While taking initiative for your own safety is admirable, it is still best to get the services of experts from service providers like Green Planet Plumbing who have had years of experience in all of this and who will be able to help you during emergency cases. Offering a 24 hour 7 day a week on-call emergency service, you can call us any time and we will be there to help you.
