ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES

the big 4 electrical hazards

1. overloading

2. damaged insulation

3. damp/wet conditions

4. faulty wiring

overloading

plugging too many appliances into a single outlet or extension cord. this is sometimes called an OCTOPUS CONNECTION

-forced too much electrical current through the wires, making it overheat and can melt their protective layering causing a fire

damaged insulation

the protective rubber or plastic coating on a wire is cracked, frayed, or worn away, exposing the metal wires inside

-touching the exposed wires can cause electrical shock

-the wires can also touch each other and create a SHORT CIRCUIT that can cause sparks and fires

damp electrical conditions

using electrical devices with wet hands, near water, or in a damp environment

-water is an EXCELLENT conductor for electricity, creating an easy path for the current to travel through your body and cause electrocution

faulty wiring

wires inside the walls or in an appliance that are old, loose, or installed incorrectly

-major cause of house fires