As a home owner, you may need to install a switch in your new home. Any gadget using electrical power should be handled with maximum care and attention. Same Day Trades recommends the following trips for a safe switch installation.
- Water is excellent conduct of electric current, hence never work on any electrical appliance with wet hands. The electricity current will be conducted through your body through the water on your hands.
- Watch out for cords that have insulation that is either totally damaged or frayed. Loose and broken plugs should never be used.
- Always switch off power in the house before working install a safety switch. Switching off should be done whether you are mounting, wiring, or inspecting and should be done at the mains. For safety purposes, Same Day Trades recommends you put a sign to ensure no one switches on the mains by accident.
- Make sure all your tools are insulated as you work with them.
- There is an electrical equipment that is usually not guarded and others have parts that are energized. In most cases, such appliances have a warning sign signaling the risk of shock. Same Day Trades experts advise it’s best to follow the regulations.
- While working any electrical or branch circuit use gloves and goggles that are insulated with rubber.
- Different switches vary according to the contact load. If you use a switch that will be overwhelmed by the contact load, once the power is back on, there may be a short-circuit. That’s why it’s advisable to follow instructions or call a professional like Same Day Trades.
- Switches shouldn’t be used in environments where there are combustible gases. If the switch arcs or generates heat when switched on, it may cause explosions. Also if placing a switch where it can easily get water droplets then, use a sealed switch.
- If by mistake the switch you are about to install falls, it most likely the parts inside have become loose. Such a switch would not be suitable to install.
- While working on any equipment, always make sure it is not energized by using a tester. When you touch an energized wire, the bulb inside the tester goes on which shows there is a live current. Use this tester to check other parts including the covering of switches so that you are able to proceed with the installation.
- If you have to climb to a certain height to change or do the installation, Same Day Trades recommends you not to use a steel or aluminum ladder. In case of an accident, you will be grounded and these two types of ladders will allow an electric current to flow through you. It is recommended to use a wooden fiberglass or bamboo ladder.
- Some years back it was common to get electric shocks in damp areas in homes. Nowadays, homes are fitted with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFIC) which acts as a Residual Current Device (RCD). They are mostly fitted in bathrooms and kitchens. They disconnect power immediately and avoid electrical shocks.