Many DIY homeowners are skeptical about making electrical repairs or working on electrical systems and appliances. They quite naturally have some concerns for their safety if not a feeling of panic when it comes to electricity. There is really no need to be skeptical or be fearful about working on electrical circuits or appliances as long as the basic electrical safety rules are followed.

Working on electrical systems is different than working on plumbing and other home utility systems. We can readily see most of our home utilities but we can’t see electricity. We can only see the results of electricity such as a burning light bulb or a operating appliance. That is why it is always critical to practice electrical safety rules when working around electricity.

Electrical Safety Precautions:

Every adult person in the household should know how to turn off or restore the home’s electric power supply in case of power failure or a circuit breaker requires resetting. Don’t wait until there is a problem to learn how to reset circuit breakers. Simply locate your electric panel and turn a breaker off and back on to get familiar with the process.

You should never work on any electrical circuit or appliance without first disabling the power. Even professional electricians do not work on live electrical circuits unless it is absolutely necessary and even then they take extraordinary safety precautions. We often get tempted to dislodge a stuck piece of toast from a toaster by using a fork without first unplugging it. These impulsive acts can be very dangerous and can cause physical injuries.

In any situation whenever you need to make an electrical repair always disable the power supply first. This is also a good rule before drilling into ceilings or walls because you may hit a wire. Always shut off the power at the main electrical panel before drilling holes in blind spots.

Always follow the following electrical safety tips when working on electrical systems or appliances.

· Always shut off all power to any area where you are working that may have a hidden wire.

· Never work on the wiring inside the main electrical panel or a sub-panel without turning off the main supply breaker.

· Always wear electrical safety gloves when working inside the main electrical panel.

· Even though you have turned off the electrical power always make sure there is no residual current still flowing in the circuit by checking with a circuit tester.

· Wear rubber soled safety shoes when working around the main electrical panel. For additional protection place a dry piece of plywood on the floor to stand on when working on the main electric panel.

· If you need a ladder insure that it is made of wood or fiberglass.

· Never work on a electrical circuits with wet hands, shoes or feet

· If you must work in a wet area, place dry wood boards over the wet area and keep your feet dry and in rubber boots.

· Cordless tools are the best tools for working on outdoor projects. All tools should have handles insulated with plastic or rubber.

· Never touch anything metal while you’re working on electrical circuits, including pipes, faucets, and appliances.

· Never use a plug-in device that does not have a ground pin in the plug.

It is perfectly safe to work on electrical appliances or electric circuits if you follow these basic electric safety rules. Do not become complacent with safety.

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