From installing outlets to fixing electrical emergencies, you need an electrician for all your electronic related needs. Whether it is just a light fixture or emergency here are 10 things electricians want us to know before dealing with them.
1. Never ignore the warning signs
There can be many warning signs to let you know your electronics are faulty. There can be a slight spark or exceeded heating while a load is connected. Other warnings include a switch that gets overheated and breaker that won’t reset. Electricians want us not to ignore all these and let them know immediately. These are all easily repairable and ignoring these signs can be dangerous.
2. Be careful around fallen overhead power lines
Overhead lines are not insulated. This is not an issue until it falls down due to heavy wind and rain. So if there are any overhead lines which are fallen notify the local electricians immediately. Also make sure you don’t go around it yourself. Approach these lines with the utmost care and with full knowledge that they are hazardous.
3. Know your limits
Doing DIY fixtures can be exciting and money-saving. A newbie has his/her limits to accessing electrical works in your building. You can go as far as making a new outlet but do not try an attempt heavy electrical emergencies unless you have the experience. Do not attend to any electrical fixing work unless you know about the precautions and how to go about it confidently.
4. White is not always neutral and black is not always live wires
House wiring can be complicated and large. Not everyone who worked on it might have followed the conventional method of making the whites neutral and black live wire. If you by chance have to open any wiring, you will end up seeing a whole lot of wires that might leave you confused. So it is advisable to not go with conventional ideas and consult a professional while handling a circuit. Be careful not to make any assumptions and end up injuring yourself.
5. Be careful even while using low voltage current
Follow the same set of procedures and prevention methods while you handle low voltages. Your electrician might have advised about this. It is not the voltage but the current that is harmful. Even if it is not as dangerous as handling your circuit breaker, a low-voltage system can be dangerous too.
6. Do not leave your devices on standby mode for long
Heavy appliances have standby modes. These are the real vampires when it comes to high power bills. Because a slight fluctuation can lead to a heavy draw of current from these appliances which eventually will lead to more power bill.
7. Protective gear is not always protective until it is purchased from high-quality stores
Make sure you use proper insulation equipment before doing any electrical work. Do not rely on any cheap replacements because this will put your life at risk.
8. Never hold down or tape a circuit breaker
A Circuit breaker is for breaking the circuit. You should not be holding it down for any reason. What you have to do is find out what is the reason behind it and solve that particular issue.
9. Do not overload your outlet
There is a tendency to extend the outlet and connecting heavy loads to it. This shouldn’t be done. It can lead to heating up and eventual short in your circuit. Respect the limit.
10. Electricians are not for repairing your appliances
If there is something wrong with appliances like a fridge or television, it is not your electricians work to repair them. Do not call them up for such damages. You can either call up local appliance repair services or the manufacturer customer care if the item is on the warranty period. If the outlet where the appliance is connected to has an issue, you can notify your electrician. Otherwise, it is not up to him to come and repair it. If anything of this sort comes up contact the customer care.
