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0439 823 1904 Basic Electrical Knowledge Every Australian Should Know
Posted on July 31, 2020
Having good electrical knowledge can help with preventing electrical dangers and issues from occurring. Knowing specific safety tips can allow for individuals to be on top of their electrical system and prevent dangerous situations. Here at The Local Electrician we highly recommend all Australians know these four safety tips to extend their electrical knowledge.
Four basic electrical knowledge which is extremely beneficial to know and apply in no particular order:
- Understand the dangers and elements of short circuits
- Know how electricity is directed into the building
- Protect people and devices with circuit breakers and safety switches
- Inspect outlets and switches frequently
Basic Electrical Knowledge Everyone Should Know
1. Understand the dangers and elements of short circuits
A short circuit is when electricity flows onto another place which is not intended breaking from its usual path. Often from the established wires, the electricity will divert to the object which has the lowest resistance as it aims to ‘return to ground’. When wiring systems have broken or been loosened, the electricity will travel outside the wires onto something or someone else.
1. Understand the dangers and elements of short circuits
A short circuit is when electricity flows onto another place which is not intended breaking from its usual path. Often from the established wires, the electricity will divert to the object which has the lowest resistance as it aims to ‘return to ground’. When wiring systems have broken or been loosened, the electricity will travel outside the wires onto something or someone else.
Short Circuits Causes and Issues
A short circuit may occur due to the age and health of the wiring system. Faulty or older insulation on wires may be becoming damaged leading neutral and hot wires to touch. Factors such as age, animals chewing on wires or nail and screw puncture can lead to the insulation deteriorating.
Additionally, attachments which become loose can cause the live hot wires to make contact with neutral wires. Also, appliances and devices connected to a powerpoint may experience a short circuit which can travel to the main wiring system. Knowing the nature of a short circuit and how to prevent them is crucial for every person.
2. Know how electricity is directed into the building
Kowing how the electricity enters the building is important when it comes to future repair, installations and general work. Understanding the way electricity is brought into the area is also good for when moving into a new space to see where to go if there is an electrical issue.
The electricity is either connected from street power lines or through underground lines. Knowing if there is a private or shared power pole included into the land and where the point of attachments, consumer main and main switchboard are is important as well.
3. Protect people and devices with circuit breakers and safety switches
Circuit breakers and safety switches are what detect if a short circuit occurs and stops the electricity from travelling. A circuit breaker is installed within the main switchboard and will monitor the circuit. When it detects a slight rise of the electrical current occurs it will ‘break’ connection, shutting off the circuit. For instance, if appliances are connected to outlets and cause an overload the circuit breaker will stop this from happening. Breakers work mostly with appliances and devices to prevent them from not working, data being lost and other issues due to potential short circuits.
Safety switches are similar to circuit breakers where they will turn off the power supply when electrical faults happen. Decreasing the risk of electrocution, electrical fires and other hazards from occurring, safety switches are legally needed to be installed. Within 0.03 seconds is when a safety switch will turn off the power and protect people from shocks.
Safety Switches and Circuit Breakers Protecting Lives
Safety switches on switchboards protect selected electrical circuits, appliances and extension cords. This is so when electrical spikes happen they turn off the power on those areas instead of the whole power. Moreover, a safety switch can be connected to a power point so those appliances will directly be safe.
If wondering what is involved in an electrical switchboard upgrade read our blog describing the best times. Furthermore, if noticed that the circuit breakers and safety switches are not installed then upgrading the switchboard can solve this
4. Inspect outlets and switches frequently
Checking power outlets and switches regularly can help with detecting if one is damaged and needs replacing. Power points are all designed with a specific amount of power which they can output. Therefore, when they are used with high-wattage devices exceeding their power output that can strain the outlet. Such as when multiple appliances will be plugged into one power point, considering upgrading the outlet is beneficial. Similarly, extension cords should be an appropriate length and not be overloaded as they can be risky.
For both switches and power points if they are warm, making noises, spark, have noticeable cracks or any other concern they should be replaced. Only a qualified electrician should perform this task as they can be extremely dangerous. The safety switches and circuit breakers will determine if there is an electrical spike with them as well.
Safety Electrical Inspections Highly Recommended
It is also advised that an electrical safety inspection occurs to ensure that the licensed electrician can easily detect issues. The qualified electrician will use specific tools and observations to determine if the switch or outlet is damaged. Therefore, they will likely encourage to replace it before a person becomes shocked or appliances trip leading to negative issues.
Qualified Electricians For Every Need
The Local Electrician is here to help all of Sydney when it comes to all types of electrical jobs. Our Emergency Electrician team is available to work 24/7 and help with all sorts of tasks. This can be helping with installing safety switches or circuit breakers to inspection the power points. All tradesmen with us are fully qualified and highly professional when it comes to all electrical repairs, installations and general work. Each electrician can provide more information and tips to greater the electrical knowledge of each customer.
Furthermore, our Level 2 Electrician workers are here to perform more risky and advanced work in all locations. Similarly, our team are available to work in all Sydney areas, including Greater Western Sydney, South Sydney and Hills District.
No matter where in Sydney our electricians are here to help with whatever task – contact The Local Electrician now at info@thelocalelectrician.com.au. Each certified electrician will make sure to arrive on time and perform at their best regardless of the job. Moreover, we promise to be professional throughout the task, utilise advanced skills and work efficiently. We can also provide more expert advice to increase electrical knowledge and help with all tasks.
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