What you need to know about the hazards of your home electrics
We all hear horror stories of our neighbours being taken into hospital after receiving an electric shock when trying to work on their home electrics. You can receive an electrical injury through a wide range of voltages; however, the seriousness will depend on the circumstances and the size of the volt. A voltage of as little as 50 can lead to severe effects, including heart flutters, muscle spasms and an inability to breathe. A current can also cause significant burns that run deep into your skin and could need surgery to rectify.
With around 400 electrical injuries occurring in the home each year, 200 of these are fatal injuries. Hence, you must follow health and safety procedures to minimise the risk of a severe injury if you are undertaking home electrics yourself. BES Electrical has put this guide together to be prepared to deal with your home electrics and know when it’s time to call in the specialists.
Five tips to remember when working on your home electrics
Use Protective personal equipment (PPE)
One of the most important things to remember when undertaking any work in your home is to use PPE. This equipment is there for a reason and should not be ignored. Insulated gloves, fire-resistant clothing and face shields should all be worn when working with electrics. You may be surprised at how much this reduces your risk of electrical-related injuries.
Restrict access and minimise disruption
If you plan to do your home electrics independently, you must ensure you have the perfect concentration levels. For this reason, we recommend restricting access to the place where you are working – for example, if you are working in the living room, ensure that no one comes in. This will minimise your disruption, allowing for concentration and protection for other family members.
Don’t undertake tasks that you do not understand
We hope this goes without saying, but if you don’t quite know what you are doing or don’t have confidence in your project – leave it to the experts. Watching a couple of youtube videos will not suddenly give you the knowledge you need to complete a home electrics project, and if you undertake a task you have little knowledge of, you will be putting yourself at risk.
Turn off your electric mains before tackling your project
Another sensible and obvious tip – don’t work on live electrics! Make sure all your electrics are turned off before getting to work on your project. If you are not sure which electrics to turn off or whether you have done this successfully, you may want to enlist the help of a local electrician like BES Electrical, who will do the work safely on your behalf.
Ensure your tools are suitable for the job
You wouldn’t use the same tools for your garden as you would on your home electrics. Having the right tools for the job is imperative for your safety and success. All tools used when working on home electrics are insulated. Devices suitable for your project will conform to the British Standards BS 8020:2011, which explains the requirements for tools used on ‘live working’.
When you should employ a team to work on your home electrics
The electrical installation systems in your home are responsible for a wide range of services, from lighting, heating and cooking to entertainment and security. In the UK, work on domestic electrical installations is carried out by people who have passed a government-recognised qualification. This means you can be safe in the knowledge that your home electrics will be completed to the highest standards.
While you may be comfortable changing a light bulb or flipping your fuse box when it trips, how much more do you really know about your home electrics and the dangers of working on them? BES Electrical recommend that if you come across an issue that you don’t feel comfortable with or don’t have the knowledge to solve safely, you should call a local electrician into your home. By working with a qualified electrician, you will have confidence that your home is in safe hands and your family are protected.
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BES Electrical are your local friendly domestic electricians
The home is where we spend most of our time, but it can also be a dangerous place for electrical equipment. Many electrical accidents happen in the home, and household electrics are the biggest culprit. From faulty extension leads to unapproved light fittings, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. However, you can protect yourself from electrical accidents by having a good working relationship with your local electrician.
BES Electrical has been supporting homes in Chesham and the surrounding areas for many years. Our electrical team are fully qualified and tested annually by independent assessors. This level of training means we can provide you with a safe and successful electrical installation, whether you need support to rewire your home or you need to replace your light switches. If you need help with your home electrics in 2022, contact BES Electrical today.
