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Safety Precautions While Working with Electricity

Benjamin Lynch • July 6, 2024

Safety measures you can take to ensure your electrical systems work properly and YOU remain safe while working with electricity.

Electricity is a force not to be reckoned with.

Electricity can cause permanent damage to your body and will kill you if not handled properly. When a human receives an electrical shock, it is not the voltage that kills them but the current. People have died from voltages as low as 42 volts. It only takes about 100 milliamps or 0.1 amps to stop your heart. In perspective, that is about one-tenth of the power it takes to power a modern-day smartphone. Multiple factors can lead to death by electricity, such as which body parts made contact, the mineral makeup of your body at the time, and whether you could let go.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you have been zapped before at least once or twice. It is easy to become complacent with electricity because, most of the time, you get shocked and will not have any devastating effects.

Here are some safety precautions while working with electricity to reduce the risk of electrical shock and injury from arc flash:

Never, ever work on anything live.
Turn the main breaker in your panel off if you cannot locate the circuit.
Wear leather gloves.
Wear rubber-soled shoes.
Always have someone with you.
Test the voltage to make sure it is off.
Wear safety glasses.
Always look away when turning on a circuit breaker.

The best safety precaution while working with electricity is always to seek a professional’s help. Light of the World Electric is a local, family-owned business that has your best interests in mind. We are qualified, licensed, and insured electricians, passionate about customer service. Give us a call today for any of your electrical needs.

Light of the World Electric does not recommend working on your own electrical systems. Please consult an electrician for safety assurances.

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How Long Does A GFCI Outlet Last

By Benjamin Lynch • November 5, 2024

How Long Does a GFCI Outlet Last? Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters were likely installed in your home if it was built or remodeled after 1990. These devices protect you and your home from shock and fires. It is essential to check these devices on a regular basis to ensure they are working correctly. What is a GFCI Outlet? GFCI outlets are different from standard electrical outlets in that they protect you and your home from electrical shock. They do this by monitoring the electrical current and tripping when a surge is detected, thereby shutting off the electricity to the outlet. GFCIs are typically located in your garage, kitchen, bathrooms, and electrical panel. Testing Your GFCI Outlets GFCIs have a test and reset button, and this simple maintenance check needs to be performed regularly to ensure they are working correctly. In your electrical panel, they will also have a colored test button. You will simply press the test button to test these devices until you hear a click. Once you hear the click, you will reset the device by either pressing reset or turning the circuit breaker back on. If the breaker or device does not reset, the device is faulty, and you need to replace it with one that will function properly. How long does a GFCI outlet last before needing replacement? Most GFCI outlets will last 15-25 years without issue. However, if you have a faulty GFCI, you must replace it sooner. Some signs of a failing outlet are: The GFCI trips frequently The outlet is cracked or damaged Plugs fall out easily If you are experiencing any of these issues with your GFCI outlets, it’s time to get them replaced. Contact the licensed professionals at Light of the World Electric to handle your electrical needs.