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Do-It-Yourself electrical danger

By Dan Heald, 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety / Published May 11, 2010

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYers) need to be aware of the dangers of attempting to perform home electrical improvement and repair projects without hiring or consulting a licensed, qualified electrician.

"Working with electricity requires thorough planning and extreme care, and cutting corners can be a costly mistake," said Electrical Safety Foundation International president Brett Brenner. "Whether you are a first-time do-it-yourselfer or a 'weekend warrior,' practicing safe habits can prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities when it comes to home electrical projects."

Over the past 10 years the number of DIYers willing to take on home improvement projects has grown. Regrettably over the same period of time, emergency rooms reported ever increasing numbers of visits due to injuries from home workshop equipment. Many of these homeowners were critically injured while attempting to perform home electrical work themselves.

May is National Electrical Safety Month and an appropriate time to review electrical safety practices. Many electrocutions and home electrical fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and following safe practices.

The best way to protect ones family and their home against the risk of electrical fires or electrocution is to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in the home. If a person does decide to undertake a home electrical project themselves, it is recommended they considering the following important safety tips to help ensure their safety and the safety of others.

· Make an effort to learn about the houses electrical system so one is able to safely navigate and maintain it.

· Never attempt a project that is beyond ones skill level. Knowing when to call a professional may help prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.

· Always turn off the power to the circuit one plans to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.

· Test the wires with a voltage meter before touching them to make sure that the power has been turned off.

· Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.

· Use a GFCI with every power tool to protect against electrical shock hazards.

· Never stand in a puddle or on a damp floor when working directly on or near electricity.

· Always have the work inspected upon completion to ensure that it has been done correctly.

· Extension cords are for temporary use only and should never go under rugs or mats. Keep them away from moisture, heat or metal pipes. Inspect extension cords before and after each use.

· Before digging to plant a tree, install a fence or mail box, call the North Dakota One Call office at 1-800-795-0555 or visit their web site at www.ndonecall.com. They will ensure all utilities mark their underground services/equipment prior to digging.

For additional information concerning electrical safety, call Excel Energy Customer Service at 1-800-895-4999 or the 5th Bomb Wing safety office at 723 -2239 or -2259.
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