ELECTRICS SAFETY

[FAQ]

SAFETY TIPS

read here too

Here are some general safety tips for doing electrical work particularly on installations where you are dubious about the quality!

1: Test for live both before and after isolating.

Testing before isolating serves both to test your tester and to ensure that the power hasn't already been turned off by something other than the isolating device you are about to use.

2: Test neutrals for live both before and after disconnecting or cutting them.

Borrowed neutrals are all too common especially on lighting circuits

3: Always treat conductors as if they are live even after checking they are dead.

4: If possible make it difficult to re-energise cuircuits you are working on.

If not then at least make sure you warn anyone who might switch them back on.

[FAQ]

SAFE ISOLATION. THANKS TO SECURESPARK

Lately, there have been incidents of posters taking risks with electricity & working live. I would like to make everyone using this site acutely aware of the importance of safe isolation.
To an untrained person, the risks of working with electricity are not always fully appreciated. I get a bee in my bonnet about this because I have seen the consequences of not isolating safely & it is extremely grim.

Over the 20 + years I've been in this industry, I've heard some shocking things (no pun intended). "Well, I've had a shock before and it's only a little tingle" or even, "It's only a few volts" which are comments I hear all too often from customers.

PLEASE, you MUST practice safe isolation before working on an electrical circuit, AND the only live working you should do is when testing.
It is best to wear gloves when testing to avoid any possibility of contact with live parts, and REMEMBER that hair can conduct electricity so tie it back.

Do not wear metallic jewellery or watches. Electrical contact with these can cause the metal to heat up and cause severe burns.
I have seen pictures of an electrician who lost a finger due to his wedding ring arcing against a live terminal.

SAFE ISOLATION PROCEDURE:

1. First obtain a two-pole voltage detector and test it on a known source.
2. Isolate the circuit you wish to work on.
3. Test the circuit you wish to work on to see if it is dead. Test between L & N, L & E and N & E.
4. Then test the device again on a known source to prove it is still working.
5. Lock off the device if possible. If the fuse board is in a garage or outhouse that is lockable, lock it and keep the key with you.

If you are removing a Wylex-type fuse or MCB, buy a blank fuse carrier & fit that in place of the fuse, then a fuse cannot be re-inserted by accident. Better safe than sorry.

Do not put yourself or your loved ones at risk and never fall victim to complacency!

[conny]

MORE SAFETY ADVICE

1) The only safe place for a fuse/mcb which you have removed is in YOUR pocket.

2) Always use signs to indicate the circuit being worked on.

3) Display your contact details. e.g. your mobile number and what area you are working in.

4) If you are wearing glasses with metal frames/arms use a cord so they don't fall off from around your neck.

If working on rotating/moving machinery ensure they will not become entangled if they do slide down your nose.

5) Ensure that all capacitive circuits have been discharged.

6) Every situation is different and must be assessed before commencing work. This list is by no means exhaustive and if you are in doubt.... STOP! Think! then Think again!

You can have endless amounts of thinking BUT you may only get one chance of doing!