Electrical Safety in Your Houses Alejandro, Leah Arnee G. Senior High School Department, Isabela State University San Fabian, Echague, Isabela, Philippines alejandroleaharnee@gmail.com Abstract— The paper reviews the hazards of electricity and provides safety precautions to prevent electrical accidents. Furthermore, the paper offers a brief background on electricity. Index terms- electricity, amp, hazard, risk I. INTRODUCTION One of the most basic needs in modern life is electricity. It powers computers, phones, and appliances. However, electricity can also be an extremely dangerous hazard. Engineers, electricians, and other workers directly deal with electricity, including electrical installation, working on overhead lines, and circuit assemblies. Other people, such as construction workers, office workers, and farmers work with electricity indirectly but may also be exposed to different electrical hazards. Workers can be highly injured by electrically powered equipment, especially when it is handled recklessly. The majority of us have been exposed to some type of electric "shock," in which electricity causes harm or pain to our bodies. If we're fortunate, the worst that happens is tingles or jolts of pain caused by static electricity discharge through our body. Electric shock becomes a far more serious problem when we are working near electric circuits that may provide tremendous power to loads, and pain is the least significant impact of shock. Electric current impacts the body when it flows through. Amp is the basic unit of current. Any resistance (opposition to the passage of electrons) that exists as an electric current travel through a material causes energy to be lost, typically as heat. Electric current causes living tissue to heat up, which is the simplest and most obvious effect of electricity on living tissue. The tissue could be burned if there is enough heat produced. The result is physiologically identical to harm brought on by an open flame or other high-temperature heat source, with the exception that electricity has the power to burn tissue deep into the victim's body, even internal organs. Additionally, the nervous system is impacted by electric current in the body, with this effect potentially posing the highest risk. It is a network of neurons which generates, modulates, and transmits information between all the different parts of the human body. Numerous crucial nervous system processes, including the control of key bodily processes (heartbeat, respiration, digestion), sensation, and movement, are made possible by this system. If significant electric current flows through any living thing, it will have the effect of suppressing the tiny electrical impulses that are normally produced by the neurons, overtaxing the nervous system, and preventing internal signals from activating muscles. There is nothing the victim can do to prevent the involuntary contraction of muscles caused by an external (shock) current. II. HAZARDS Electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property. However, taking simple precautions when working with or near electricity and electrical equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injury. To see how this can be accomplished, let us first view the three main types of electrical hazards: A. Electric Shock When a body is exposed to an electrical current, it can experience an electric shock. Examples of electric shock may include a person coming in contact with both conductors in a circuit, a person providing a path between an ungrounded conductor and the ground, and touching a live wire and an electrical ground. There are four factors that affect how severe an electric shock is. The shock may be significant or result in electrocution if the alignment of these four factors is perfect. It includes the amount of current, length of time current is present, path of current through the body, frequency of the current (Hz). The potential difference and resistance both affect how much current flows. Human body reactions to electricity might range from a momentary, slight tingling sensation to death. Only insofar as it dictates how much current will flow through a particular body resistance is voltage significant. Eight to ten times as much current as what would kill a person is needed to operate a 10watt light bulb. A current that is many times more than what is required to kill can flow under a pressure of 120 volts. B. Electrical Burns It is the most common shock-related injury. There are three types of burns suffered in electrical accidents. Electrical burns are the result of the electric current flowing in the tissues. These burns might only be on the skin, or they might extend deeper and harm the muscles and bones. Arc burns are the result of High temperatures generated by electric arcs or by explosions close to the body. Thermal contact burns are normally experienced from a skin contact with hot surfaces of overheated electrical conductors, conduits, or other electrified equipment. Heat produced by the body's electrical current damages tissue, which is frequently classed as a third-degree burn right away. If the electric shock's energy is high, the body cannot expel the heat, which causes the tissue to burn. Such electrical burns typically heal slowly. C. Electric Arc Blasts The explosion impact that can arise from arcing can inflict injuries and start wildfires if the current is powerful enough. Ionized air and vaporized conductor material are used in the power arc to discharge electricity. Temperatures in an arc, which can reach 35,000°F, cause the conducting substance to evaporate. III. ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The steps taken at home to prevent electric shock injuries are known as electrical safety precautions. This covers all the houses' various possessions, such as light fixtures and extension cords. It also includes devices like refrigerators, ovens/stoves, dishwashers, and dryers. Eliminating the risks of electrical hazards in the house can be done in the following ways: A. Always follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety The number one electrical safety advice for the home should be to "read the instructions." The functionality of a gadget and a person's personal safety are both enhanced by an understanding of home appliance safety. A person should stop using any appliance if it even slightly shocks him/her with electricity. A licensed electrician should examine it first for issues. B. Keep used and unused cords tidy and secure to prevent damage Electrical safety precautions don’t just apply to power cords when they’re in use. Power cords need to be maintained securely to avoid damage. Keep cords that are stored away from kids and animals. (Who may chew on or play with the cords). Avoid tightly wrapping cords around items because this can strain the cord or make it overheat. To avoid harming the cord's insulation and wires, never rest a cord on a hot surface. C. Unplug all unused appliances to reduce potential risks Unplugging an appliance while it's not in use is one of the easiest electrical safety precautions. Unplugging unused equipment safeguards them from overheating or power surges in addition to decreasing any phantom drain (the amount of energy the gadget uses even when not actively in use). With the ability to define power schedules for each outlet, the new generation of smart plugs provides a solution to the problem of forgetting to unplug unused gadgets. D. Give appliances proper space for air circulation to avoid overheating Electrical equipment that is not properly ventilated risks overheating, shorting out, and electrical fire. Ensure appropriate airflow for your appliances, and refrain from operating electrical equipment in closed cabinets. Additionally, it's critical to keep flammable items stored far from all devices and appliances for the maximum electrical safety. A person should keep a tight eye on his/her gas or electric dryer, as they must be placed at least a foot away from the wall in order to operate securely. E. Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home Electrical issues are frequently caused by overloading an electrical socket. Verify that all outlets are in good functioning order, have protective faceplates, and are cool to the touch. According to ESFI, you can follow these electrical outlet safety tips: Do not use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances. Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. Hot outlets should be checked by qualified electricians. Remember that power strips onl add outlets — they do not change the amount of power the outlet receives. Smart plugs can be used to monitor outlet power loads and even shut off appliances should an outlet begin to overheat. F. Check the compatibility of the wattage and appliances By utilizing the right bulbs, a person may avoid having electrical issues, so make sure to use the right wattage in all of the lamps, fixtures, and appliances. Use 60-watt bulbs or fewer if the wattage of a light fixture is not specified. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs. G. Ensure that all exhaust fans are clean to avoid fire hazards Some appliances have exhaust fans, but they can become dirty or clogged with debris, which makes the appliance work harder. This may limit the appliance's lifespan, endanger the house from overheating, or even result in the development of hazardous gasses that pose a risk of electrical fire. Regular exhaust fan cleaning helps to avoid such risks. H. Keep electrical devices and outlets away from water to prevent shock To follow electrical safety rules, keep electrical equipment dry and away from water to avoid damaging appliances and to prevent electrocution and personal injury. It's crucial to have dry hands when working with electrical items. The likelihood of water and electricity coming into contact is reduced by keeping electrical equipment away from sinks, baths, showers, and plant pots. I. Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to maintain safety Damaged power cords pose a significant threat to domestic electrical safety because they can catch fire and electrocute people. Every extension cord and power cord should be routinely inspected for symptoms of fraying and cracking and then repaired or replaced as necessary. Power lines should not be run under rugs or furniture or stapled into position. While furniture can crush cord insulation and harm wires, cords under carpets provide a trip hazard and can overheat. If you frequently use extension cords, it's possible that your home doesn't have enough outlets to meet your demands. Install more outlets in the areas of your home where you frequently use extension cords by hiring a certified electrician who is familiar with electrical safety regulations. Think about the electrical load a power cord will carry before buying one. 1,375 watts can be carried by a cord with a load of 16 AWG. Use a 14 or 12 AWG cord when carrying larger loads. J. Be aware of heaters and water heaters to prevent potential accidents Portable heaters and built-in furnaces should not be near combustible materials. Store combustibles well away from any heating units for furnace safety. Portable heaters should never be used next to draperies, and they should only ever be set up on a flat area to prevent tipping. Additionally, high temperature settings drain the energy in your water heater and increase the risk of burns and accidental scalding, especially in families with young children. IV. CONCLUSION Electrical safety can stop deadly catastrophes from happening. While most aspects of our daily lives depend on electricity, there are risks involved. Because electricity permeates every aspect of our lives, it is crucial that we exercise caution and inform both ourselves and those close to us on electrical safety. We can reduce the risk of accidents, prevent overworking our home's electrical system, and keep us and our family safe by putting these electrical safety precautions into practice. REFERENCES [1] HSE, “Electrical safety,” Hse.gov.uk, https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/electrical.htm 2014. [2] “Dangers of Electricity - Health and Safety Authority,” Www.hsa.ie, 2015. https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Electricity/Dangers_of_Electricity/ [3] L. Hildreth, “Understanding the 3 [Main] Types of Electrical Hazards,” IAEI Magazine. https://iaeimagazine.org/issue/may-june2020/understanding-the-3-main-types-of-electrical-hazards/ [4] “Home Electrical Safety Tips,” Constellation.com, 2020. https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/electrical-safetytips.html
