Basic Electricity Tips
Safety Always
1. Be Safety Conscious
Working with electrical circuits can be dangerous if you don't take certain safety precautions. Electrical shock can not only injure you but also kill you. Practice safety when working on any circuit and slow down! When you hurry through a project, there is a higher chance for an accident to occur.
2. Shut the Power Off
Always shut off the power to a circuit or device before you begin work. This is the first thing you should do before working on any electrical circuit.
3. Test the Circuit
After turning a circuit off, it's a good idea to check it with a tester to be sure that, indeed, it is off. Never assume that the channel is off!
4. Ladders
Ladders are necessary to accomplish some electrical jobs. Never use an aluminum ladder on any electrical project. Always use an insulated fiberglass ladder to keep you safe.
5. Wet Locations
Avoid wet areas when working with or on anything electrical. If there is a reason that you have to be in that situation, wear rubber boots and gloves to lessen your chance of getting shocked. Tools and appliances should be plugged into a GFCI outlet or GFCI extension cord. Don't forget to dry your hands before grabbing any wire to plug it in or unplug it. Wet hands and a frayed cord don't mix. You reach down to grab the cable, and just like that, you've been shocked! Believe it or not, it happens.
6. Warning Labels
Finally, if you are working on the service panel or a circuit, be sure to place a warning label on the face of the electrical panel. The name will warn someone not to turn on the electrical circuit that you are working on the system. There's nothing worse than turning off the power, checking that it's off, and starting to work on the electrical circuit, only to have someone come behind you and turn the channel back on. Always think and ask questions before turning on a breaker that is shut off. Maybe someone is working on the other end.