10 Tips for Chicago Electrical Work and Your Safety
Category: Electrical Repair
When you’re considering electrical work you should put safety first. This article gives a few pointers regarding electricity and safety for you, your family, and your home.
- Never take risks where electricity is concerned. Electricity can cause serious burns, health problems and kill.
- If you’re not qualified to do electrical works then get a registered Chicago electrician to give you a quote on the work to be done. Don’t be tempted to have a go at it yourself. It is a good idea to ask around your neighbors, friends and family who they could recommend as being good and reliable. Get several quotes and choose one according to both their ability and your price range.
- When you get quotes, ask for references and check them out. You should also ask to see their registration certificates to verify they are qualified and registered.
- Have a good look at all the work you may need doing. Check all your plugs and sockets for loose or exposed wires as well as cracked or damaged sockets.
- Light fittings are a common source of problems due to the heat generated by the amount of current flowing through them. Check that they are not cracked or brittle.
- If appliances are damaged or have electrical cables exposed you should have them tested by an Chicago electrician to make sure they are safe to use. If they’re not safe then you need to determine whether it’s more economical to repair or replace it.
- When all your repair work has been done, it is recommended that you cover your sockets with plastic socket covers that are not easily removed by children. This is to prevent children from pushing objects into the sockets and coming to harm.
- It is also worth doing a first aid course so that you are able to respond quickly in the event of an electrical accident. Many power suppliers run courses or will be able to advise you where one is available in your area.
- Invest in a portable fire extinguisher. Because water is a conductor of electricity you will need to get a chemical extinguisher. You need to have some sort of reminder to check the charge and that it functions correctly on an annual basis.
- Teach small children the dangers of electricity and how to be safe. You can use books or DVD’s as an aid to the training which are available on the internet or bookstores.
