Play It Safe When Doing Electrical Work
#1 Most Important Topic to Cover
We’ve all heard horror stories of people, including young kids, getting electrocuted. It was even a method used for prisoners given a death sentence. That’s an unpleasant thought.
The important thing is to play it safe around electricity. Here are some safety best practices:
Wear Proper Boots
Use rubber-soled, non-conductive boots to prevent electric shock.
Safety Glasses
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks or debris. Safety glasses should be made of non-conductive material and have side shields.
Safety glasses for electrical work are rated ANSI Z87.1 or Z87+. I purchased a pair of plastic prescription safety glasses from rx-safety.com.
Insulated Gloves
Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from electric shock.
Turn Off Power
Before working on any electrical component, always turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
Test for Hot Wires
Use a voltage tester to ensure wires are not live before touching them.
Avoid Using Left Arm
Never use your left arm to grab something if you're working with live wires; always use your right hand.
Using your right arm instead of your left when working with electrical wires is a safety measure. If an electrical shock occurs, it’s better to have the current travel through one arm rather than across your chest, potentially impacting your heart. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of a serious injury.
Don't Grab Someone Being Shocked
If someone is being shocked, do not touch them directly. Turn off the power source or use a non-conductive object to move them away.
Avoid Drilling or Cutting Sheetrock Blindly
Never drill or cut through sheetrock without knowing what's on the other side to avoid hitting electrical wires.
Use GFCIs
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent shock.
Keep Work Area Dry
Ensure your work area is dry to reduce the risk of electric shock. Never work on electrical systems in wet or damp areas. If you must, use GFCI outlets and equipment.
Rubber Mat
Placing a rubber mat (like a yoga mat) underfoot can help insulate you from the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock. This is especially helpful in basements when working on the main panel. Basements with concrete floors are damp and prone to accumulate moisture.
Label Circuit Breakers
Clearly label each circuit breaker in your panel to avoid confusion.
Use Insulated Tools
Use tools with insulated handles to minimize the risk of electric shock. Avoid touching the metal shank on the screwdriver when doing electrical work to prevent electric shock. It's always a good idea to hold the insulated handle instead.
Proper Lighting
Ensure your work area is well-lit so you can see what you’re doing.
Lockout/Tagout
When working on large electrical systems, use lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure the power remains off. LOTO is a safety procedure used to ensure that machines or electrical systems are properly shut off and cannot be started up again before maintenance or repair work is completed.
Lockout involves placing a lock on the power source to physically prevent it from being turned on. The lock can only be removed by the person who placed it.
Along with the lock, a tag is attached to the power source indicating that the equipment is being worked on and should not be turned on. The tag includes details like the person responsible and the reason for the lockout.
This procedure is crucial for preventing accidental energization, which can cause serious injury or even death.
Secure Wiring
Use wire nuts, electrical tape, and other proper securing methods to ensure all connections are safe.
Follow the Code
Always adhere to the National Electrical Code and local electrical codes and regulations. They’re there for your safety. Following them means knowing them. Prioritize time to study the code.
There you go! These tips can help keep you safe while working on residential electrical projects.