5 Electrical Panel Safety Tips Every Homeowner Must Know
The electrical panel is also known as a breaker box, and it features a main switch to shut off power in case of an emergency. Electrical panels also control the current flow to every room and prevent circuit overload. Given how important breaker boxes are, you’ll need to interact with yours at some point. As such, you must know the safety tips to observe when handling your electrical panel.
1. Stand a Safe Distance When Flipping Switches
Whether you have to shut off power to the entire house or a specific room, be sure to maintain a safe distance from your electrical panel. It’s advisable that you stand within arm’s reach and avoid facing the breaker box. That way, you’ll be safe in case any arcing takes place.
2. Avoid Cutting the Power if You Must Stand in Water
Don’t touch your electrical panel to shut off the power if standing water is near it. Standing water can heighten the risk of an electrical shock, which, in turn, can cause harm or, even worse, death. If you find yourself in a situation like this, the best thing to do is to reach out to your power company and have them shut off your power at the meter.
3. Ensure All Breaker Switches Are Properly Marked
If you notice that the labels on your breaker switches are wearing down or missing completely, mark them as needed. It’s advisable that you contact an electrician for this task. An experienced electrician understands the components of an electrical panel and knows exactly how to mark breaker switches to avoid confusion. The electrician also understands the safety measures they must take while working on an electrical panel.
4. Don’t Touch Anything if Breakers Keep Flipping
A breaker will trip if appliances, devices, or lighting draw too much power, leading to an overload. It’s okay to fix this, provided you observe all the safety measures while handling your electrical panel. However, if your breakers keep flipping, you may want to call a certified electrician near you to assess the issue and make necessary repairs.
5. Don’t Make Changes to Your Electrical Panel
Whether you want to change the electrical load on any of your switches, replace breakers, or add extra circuits to your electrical panel, avoid working on the breaker by yourself. Instead, call a licensed technician to help you make these changes. Electricians have undergone specialized training; hence, they know how to handle electrical panels without posing risks to themselves and people nearby.
Conclusion
All it takes is one wrong move for things to turn deadly. Therefore, avoid making any major changes to your electrical panel, especially if you lack proper training and experience. Also, follow the above safety measures to the letter to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. If you’re a resident of Cedar Falls, IA and looking for an electrical panel upgrade or repair, contact Henninger Electric today.
