Renovations are a great way to upgrade the look and feel of your place on a budget. Rather than building it anew, you can transform the existing structure as per your needs. That indeed sounds pocket-friendly and convenient.
But renovation projects are in no way to be taken lightly and they need to be undertaken with proper safety measures in place, particularly tasks related to electricity.
Renovating a space would mean you are working with a building that already has a proper electrical system in place. That brings in the possibility of electrical accidents while undertaking the demolition work. And also, the question: do you need to upgrade the electrical system too?
To help you adopt the best electrical practices during your renovation project, here are some basic electrical safety tips you should follow. These safety tips are recommended by every commercial or residential electrician from Beverly Hills and will keep your site safe from all minor and significant electrical accidents.
Inspect and Update Electrical Wiring
If your residential or commercial property is over 40 years old, there are chances that your wiring is outdated and in need of reinstallation. Also, your place might not be in sync with the recent developments in electrical safety codes. So, make sure to hire a licensed electrician in Pakenham, engage in a proper inspection, detect all faulty or damaged wires, and plan a proper upgrade. That way, you can save yourself from the tiring wiring work.
A proper inspection reduces the chances of electricity-related accidents, and exposed wiring can lead to electrical shocks. So, if such wires are detected and properly insulated beforehand, you can secure your project against such risks.
Limit DIY
Electricity is not something that amateurs should handle because the risk involved is too great. Changing a light bulb or replacing your switchboard is fine, but trust only an experienced electrician with complex electrical work like wiring and installation.
Remember that only a licensed electrician is skilled enough to ensure electrical safety at your renovation site. So, never take the inspection work into your own hands but rather hire a licensed electrician.
Enquire About Your Local Electrical Codes
Each suburb has its own electrical codes, and they are to be strictly followed to avoid electrical accidents and legal trouble. There are strict electrical guidelines for each part of your place, including your bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoors. For instance, conducting a risk assessment at your renovation site is one common requirement.
So, before you begin with the renovation project, go through the electrical codes of your area and ensure that the electrical system at your home or commercial place is in line with them all. Your local electricians will be well-versed with them all, and, therefore, hiring them can make your job a lot easier.
Mandate The Usage Of Electrical PPE
It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electricity. That is exactly why one should necessitate the usage of electrical PPE, i.e., personal protective equipment, at all renovation sites involving electricity. It helps reduce the risk of injuries to a minimum.
A basic electrical PPE kit includes:
- Leather EH-rated footwear
- Rubber gloves
- Hearing protection
- Non-conductive safety glasses or goggles
- Head and face protection like face shields, hardhats and arc-rated hoods
Note that the use of PPE at renovation sites is mandated by the Australian government and is a safety measure that you have to follow.
Charge the Needful Equipment Beforehand
All the chargeable renovation equipment is to be charged beforehand so that it doesn’t run out of power in between. That way, you won’t have to pause your work in case of an electrical outage. It will also help limit electricity on-site and reduce the risk of electrical accidents.
Also, make sure to have a portable generator on standby in case of emergencies.
Limit Contact Between Water and Electricity
Water and electricity never go well together. So, to ensure electrical safety at your renovation site, make sure to limit the contact between water and electricity to the maximum possible extent.
- Keep the renovation site as dry as possible.
- Plug your electrical equipment into sockets that are most unlikely to come into contact with water.
- When pressure-washing, make sure to turn off the main electricity line.
- Never leave live wires out in the open.
Keep Kids Away From the Site
Always keep your kids far away from the renovation sites, as they are the most at risk of accidents. And if you allow your kids into the site, ensure that:
- The entire site is well-let.
- You install gates at the stair-tops to restrict their movement.
- Cords and wires are kept away from their reach.
- Extension cords are kept after use to away avoid tripping.
Ensure that your children are never in the renovation area when you turn on electrical equipment to be extra safe.
To Sum Up:
Renovation sites are prone to electrical accidents, so secure your site against them all by following these electrical safety tips.
Also, get in touch with us at Direct Point Electrical if you are on the lookout for a licensed residential or commercial electrician in Pakenham. We are fully equipped to cover all your electrical installation, repair, and inspection needs. Our team works as per the Australian safety standards and will ensure that all electrical work is carried out perfectly.
Also Read: A 9-Step Guide For Planning The Perfect Kitchen.
