Be it using electrical appliances or installing a new electrical line in your home, some technical knowledge is necessary before you start doing the job yourself. If you are not adequately equipped with the know-how of the job as well as the right tools to do the job it is wiser to hire the services of a professional electrician, though it might mean spending a lot of money, as these people are not very cheap. Especially if you are doing the wiring installation in your new home, you need to be ready with a thorough blueprint of the electrical wiring system as well as the list of electrical points which you wish to install before you call an electrician. Remember, it is not the cost of the wires that you pay for, the cost of labor would usually exceed the cost of materials needed. So before the electrical contractor gives you an estimate, it could be a good idea to go around some electrical stores to check out the prices of some basic installation materials like plug points, fixture styles and switches so that you have a rough idea of the ‘material cost’.
There are many who would like to work with their hands – be it plumbing, carpentry, home painting or doubling up as an electrician. This is indeed commendable as these people usually land up saving thousands of dollars in these DIY ventures, which others pay out for hiring professional services. To do electrical jobs at home, there are some very important precautionary measures you have to take as any small mistake can not just be injurious but fatal too. Here are some common warnings before you touch or do anything ‘electrical’:
– Shut off the power line of all the circuits before you start your work.
– Test whether the power is off with a simple tester, a multi-meter or a bulb or any other similar small domestic appliance.
– Always use ladders made with wood or fiberglass. These materials are non-conductive and used for doing all electrical jobs. Never use a ladder made of aluminum or any other metal.
– Working with electrical lines or appliances should be avoided during monsoon or wet and damp conditions. Also when the power line is not completely switched off, it is best not to work with electrical lines and appliances.
– Wearing shoes with rubber-soles is recommended when doing electrical work. Stand on rubber mats or dry wooden floors when working on electrical jobs. If the floor is concrete wear rubber soled shoes. Never work barefoot or wearing socks only. Remember any material can conduct electricity under right conditions.
– At the time of turning off the power to a breaker, always remember to tape that breaker off to prevent any wrong connection or anyone touching it.
– When removing a fuse, use only one hand. Keep the other hand in your pocket or behind your back. It is a safe practice. You are preventing an electrical path to travel thorough your body.
– When doing electrical jobs never try to finish the job in a hurry. Take your time and complete the job safely. If you are compelled to leave a job incomplete, tell all your family members about it and put a warning sign near the panel or wiring, so that no body touches it.
