Regardless if the switch in your home may be worn out, faulty or you want to upgrade to a better switch design, there are many reasons on why you want to replace it.
With a wide range of switches available in most DIY stores today, you may want to upgrade the switches in your home with different styles, colours, or sizes.
As long as electricity is involved, you need to be extra careful and take necessary precautions.
Electricity-related accidents can lead to loss of limbs, property, and even life. While some cases are accidental, few cases occur due to ignorance and negligence.
Therefore, you need to be careful when replacing a switch at your home or any other place and take every prior precaution to be safe.
Following are some of the electricity safety tips that can prevent any accidents:
Never Touch Anything Related to Electricity with Wet Hands
Before you start replacing your switch or fixing the broken one, make sure your hands are completely dry. Touching the switches, wires, or any other electrical appliances with wet hands can be dangerous for you.
As water is a good conductor of electricity, you will risk your life touching electrical appliances with bare hands. Even dry hands are not immune to the dangers of electricity, however, so you may wish to get yourself some safety gloves to wear when dealing with electrical issues at home (you could check out this unigloves link for more info about their Sibille Safe range of gloves, if this is something you would like to explore further).
Wear Shoes While Fixing the Problematic Switch
Whenever you need to fix any problem with your switches or replace them, you need to be in proper attire. You might think, “Who will put on their shoes, especially when changing just a switch?” Well, it is crucial as it will not complete the electrical path, and you could remain safe.
Besides proper shoes, you may also need to use safety gloves and eyewear to keep your body protected from the dangers of electricity.
Read the Warning Signs
Sparks or even burning smell are the warning signs that something fishy is going on with the switch. If you notice any of these signs, you need to call a professional electrician immediately to prevent any trouble before it’s too late.
Always make sure that all electrical switches are correctly wired and meet the safety standards.
When you are careful and do your job with all your senses present, I am sure, you can complete your task without any difficulty.
Electricity has become the basic necessity of life. It can serve you well for sure, but if you are not careful while dealing with any electrical thing, it can ruin you in no time.
Remember these safety tips and practice them while fixing your broken switches. These tips will be helpful for you in protecting yourself, your family, your home, and your loved ones from the dangerous hazards of electricity. When unsure, please contact an electrician for help to replace that broken switch of yours.