In our previous submission, we talked about the dangers associated with electricity when it gets in touch with water bodies especially at this time of the year when we are having rains. In this instalment we would also want to talk about other wet conditions that can also compromise safe use of electricity.

Wet electrical equipment
Electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, socket outlets plugs and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. It is advisable to replace those that have been submerged.

Do not allow power cable connections to become wet.
Do not use electrical appliances that have become wet. Electric-powered lawn mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass or in wet conditions. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. Electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire.

Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before use for frayed power cables, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using immediately. Repair it or replace it. A qualified service repair dealer should recondition electrical equipment that has been wet. Certain equipment will require complete replacement, while a trained professional can recondition other devices.

Always use an extension cable marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools.
Use socket outlet covers on outdoor sockets near swimming pools. Keep cords and electrical devices away from pools. Never handle electrical items when you are wet.

Use an earth leakage circuit breaker to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use.
When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a washing machine, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electric shock.

Fallen power lines
These can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or most probably death. The following tips can help you stay safe around fallen power lines:

If you see a fallen power line, move away from the line and anything touching it, such power lines in contact with water can pose electrical hazards.
The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity moves from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone and it could do that through your body.
If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call for help instead.
Do not attempt to move a fallen power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.
Do not drive over fallen electrical power lines.

If you are in a car and it is in contact with the fallen line, stay in the car. Hoot your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
If you must leave the car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

Use of generators
Have a generator installed by a qualified electrician to ensure it meets the required electrical standards.

Register the generator for inspection by ZETDC.
Ensure extension cables connected to the generator are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation. Do not overload the generator and carefully follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Keep the generator dry.

Keeping electricity safe: Stay Alert, Stay Away, Stay Alive.

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