Safety around Residential Electrical Systems.

Remember that electricity at household voltages and current can kill you. Read and understand all safety procedures. If you are unsure of anything consult a licenced professional electrician before beginning any work.

Plumbers joke about "do-it-yourselfer" customers that run into trouble and call for help while holding back leaks. Electricians have no funny stores about do-it-youselfers who run afoul of electricity.

In many places homeowners can do simple work like changing switches, outlets or fixtures without an electrical permit. For new circuits or other expansions of service a permit is usually required. Some locations will issue homeowners an electrical permit for work of a limited scope. Some locations may require a written knowledge test prior to issuing an electrical permit. Yet others may require all work to be completed by a licenced electrician and will not issue a permit to a licence holder.

An electrical permit is no a guarantee that your are not going to hurt yourself. You must still work safely and use common sense. You cannot see electricity in wires, metal or other conductors. Here are minimum saftey requirements:

- ALWAYS plan ahead. Think about what needs to be achieved and walk through the job on paper. Note down everything you think you are going to need. Wire, connectors, switches, outlets, and don't forget electrical tools. Buy a little extra. Most stores will take back unused items if returned promptly after completion of the job.

- ALWAYS ensure you have plenty of time to complete the job. If you think it will take two hours, allow four. Don't start an electrical job late in the day. it will get dark sooner than you think. If you must work late in the day (or work in an area darkened in daytime) ensure you have adequate battery powered light or extensions lights from a circuit you're not touching. Even then, a good flashlight is a good bet.

- ALWAYS plug in a circuit tester or light to the circuit you are going to work on. Check every outlet you're going to touch, not just the ones you think are on that circuit. If its an overhead light or fan, turn it on

- ALWAYS Turn OFF the power at the Breaker Box. Make sure your tester, lights, fan etc. ALL turned off. Trusting the label in the box is not enough!

- ALWAYS Post a sign warning others to NOT turn on any breakers until authorized by you. This presumes there are others in the house with access to the Breaker Box. Being alone in the house assures no one else will touch the box but it is not recommended. It's a good idea to have someone near by in case of an emergency. This person should understand how to turn off the MAIN Breaker if needed. They should understand that a person in contact with a live wire should never be touched. A wood handled broom, cane, rope, etc should be used to break contact if the MAIN Breaker can not be turned off quickly.

- ALWAYS be aware that the large wires entering the Breaker Box from the outside meter cannot be turned off. They remain "hot" inside the Breaker Box even with the Main Breaker turned off.

- ALWAYS use tools in and around the Breaker Boxthat have rubber or plastic handles. If a stool or ladder is required it should be non-metallic/non-conductive.

- ALWAYS work in dry conditions. Water conducts electricity. NEVER stand on a wet floor. NEVER do electrical work near leaking water pipes. If you've come in from rain, completely dry yourself and change into dry clothing before doing any electrical work.

- ALWAYS use tools made specifically for electrical work. For example don't strip insulation with a knife. If it slips your knife and hand could bump inside the electrical box or against a wire. Use a wire stripper. Use insulated tools.

- ALWAYS wear shoes with non-conductive soles. Sneakers or Athletic shoes are usually good.

- ALWAYS check ever every outlet, box and switch when you think you are done. Plug in your electrical tester or lights and only turn on the circuit breaker when the job passes a visual check.

- ALWAYS go back and check every outlet with a circuit tester to ensure the ground is functioning properly. If a GFI was installed, test it now (and test it monthly).

- ALWAYS give yourself a pat on the back when everything comes back on and works correctly. Its OK to have a beer when the job is done if you'd like to. NEVER drink alcoholic beverages or take medication before or while working with electricity.


SAFETY FIRST - ELECTRICITY IS A SERIOUS FORCE