Question

What safety measures can be added to a circuit and how do they work ?

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Avoid water at all times when working

with electricity. Never touch or try repairing

any electrical equipment or circuits with wet

hands. It increases the conductivity of

electric current.

2. Never use equipment with frayed cords,

damaged insulation or broken plugs.

3. If you are working on any receptacle at

your home then always turn off the mains.

It is also a good idea to put up a sign on

the service panel so that nobody turns the

main switch ON by accident.

4. Always use insulated tools while

working.

5. Electrical hazards include exposed

energized parts and unguarded electrical

equipment which may become energized

unexpectedly. Such equipment always

carries warning signs like “Shock Risk”.

Always be observant of such signs and

follow the safety rules established by the

electrical code followed by the country

you’re in.

6. Always use appropriate insulated rubber

gloves and goggles while working on any

branch circuit or any other electrical circuit.

7. Never try repairing energized equipment.

Always check that it is de-energized first by

using a tester. When an electric tester

touches a live or hot wire, the bulb inside

the tester lights up showing that an

electrical current is flowing through the

respective wire. Check all the wires, the

outer metallic covering of the service paneland any other hanging wires with an

electrical tester before proceeding with your work.

8. Never use an aluminium or steel ladder if you are working on any receptacle at height in your home. An electrical surge will ground you and the whole electric current will pass through your body. Use a

bamboo, wooden or a fibreglass ladder

instead.

9. Know the wire code of your country.

10. Always check all your GFCI’s once a

month. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit

Interrupter) is a RCD (Residual Current

Device). They have become very common

in modern homes, especially damp areas

like the bathroom and kitchen, as they help avoid electrical shock hazards. It is

designed to disconnect quickly enough to

avoid any injury caused by over current or

short circuit faults.