When people hear the word “remodeling”, most of the time they think of interior design and boho Pinterest-style rooms. However, renovating your house and giving it a stylish new design should also involve paying attention to the electrical wiring system, especially if you live in an older home. If you want to do the work on your own, you should never neglect safety measures throughout the renovation process. Furthermore, many household tasks are doable by the average person but more complicated electrical work should be left to professional electricians. That being said, here are some electrical safety guidelines to keep in mind when remodeling your home.
1. Replace the old wiring
Damaged and ragged wires are the most common source of electrical wire-related disasters and, fortunately, you’ll probably come across them when remodeling your house. We said fortunately because once you notice them, you can carefully replace them and ensure your future electrical safety. Your electrical appliances rely heavily on wires. The damaged wire may be a component of your electrical product or the wiring system as a whole, both of which may be weakened or old. So, the only way to deal with the damaged wires is to swap them out for better, longer-lasting ones.
2. Know your limits
We can’t have an active daily life without electricity. To ensure you always have power, you need to have a functional electrical system in your house. Though you may be able to DIY some electrical work, you need to know when it’s time to stop and call a professional. In Australia, electrical work may be hazardous and even unlawful if it is not performed by a certified electrician familiar with these requirements. If you’re in the Bayside area, make sure to contact a licensed electrician in Bayside. They will be the ones who will safely conduct any electrical work that needs to be done for your ultimate comfort in your remodeled home.
3. Everything needs to be moist-free
When you’re remodeling your electrical appliances and wiring system, keep your work environment dry and clear of moisture. When water and electricity come together, they can be deadly, so keep that in mind when you’re remodeling your house and want to be safe. If, by any chance, something unexpected happens and water leaks onto your floors, turn off any adjacent electrical appliances and mop the whole area quickly to avoid any potential dangers. Despite the fact that wet hands are a poor conductor of electricity, electricity may still be deadly if it comes into contact with them.
4. Have an appropriate ladder
A ladder is required for installing ceiling fittings, and using the proper ladder for the task at hand is crucial. A step ladder is primarily used for interior work. However, some people underestimate the importance of safety, which is why they wind up hurting themselves by climbing too high on a ladder that isn’t long or supportive enough. To be on the safe side, never use a stepladder beyond the second to last step from the top. Ladders used for outside work shouldn’t have a wider angle than 75 degrees. Keeping the base of the ladder one to two feet from the wall should be your general guideline to have in mind.
5. Keep your kids and pets safe
Your family, particularly children and pets, should be protected from the risks of exposed electrical wires during renovations. Older houses constructed in the early to middle 20th century may contain hazardous elements like lead and asbestos, which may cause health problems. When conducting electrical work, these compounds are readily dispersed into the air and could be exceedingly dangerous if breathed in or even ingested. So be careful of keeping your family away and wear a padded mask when starting the work on your electrical.
6. Know codes and regulations
In most countries, there are laws or regulations that dictate what sort of work can be done and how it should be done. When it comes to safety measures, rules are drafted in such a way as to guarantee that electrical work is done correctly, especially in places where there’s a water source, such as the kitchens, toilets, and others. Thus, the possibility of electrocution is minimized or possibly completely eradicated.
If you follow our advice, you will be able to take care of the electrical issues you find while remodeling your home. Remember to be cautious and focused when taking care of the electrical system. It’s important you keep yourself and your loved ones out of harm’s way!
