The rainy season can be a bit of a bummer in itself so there's no reason to add fuel to the fire. Electrical hazards might not be the first thing on your mind in a storm; besides lightning striking your home, which are slim at 1 out of 200. There are some other sneaky dangers lurking that most don’t think about. Here are some electrical safety tips for your rainy days.
1. Prevention:
It is a great idea to check your electrical fittings and fixtures prior to heavy and prolonged rain events. An electrician can come to your home per request and check these for you and ensure wiring is proper and everything else is in order. They should also show you how to turn off your main electrical supply in the event of an emergency.
2. Don’t get anything wet
The reason for the safety hazards during the rainy season is water getting in electrical appliances and causing a short circuit. When water enters electrical systems and appliances it can cause them to short circuit. If moisture is present for a prolonged time in these systems they can also potentially cause fires when reenergized. When buying appliances, always make sure to check if they are tested and approved for safety.
3. Ensure your home is grounded
A grounded home is the one where metallic parts of electrical appliances are connected to an earth plate underground. When a home is grounded, it reduces the chances of electric shocks. If you are unsure if your home is grounded please seek the assistance of an electrical professional.
4.Take care of electrical cords and sockets
This one is pretty simple. Check on any cords and electrical sockets periodically. If you notice wear and tear on them it is a good idea to replace them sooner rather than later. Signs of wear and tear include exposed wiring, loose sockets, kinks in cords etc.
5. Inspect before powering up
Once the rain is gone be sure to inspect any appliances and or sockets before using them again, especially if they could have been exposed to weather damage. Everything should be visibly dry before being plugged in or powered on.
If you follow these tips the chances of you experiencing electrical issues due to weather are significantly reduced. This will give you one less thing to worry about on those rainy days.