Ask an electrician: 8 things the pros advise hobbyists

  • Dec 14, 2020

Many generations of electricians have sadly learned from their mistakes. Various types of oversights were remembered and meticulously rewritten from generation to generation in order to slightly simplify the life of novice craftsmen. Therefore, a certain list of 8 simple points has been formed, which the pros advise to adhere to.

1. Always disconnect voltage before work

You should not overestimate your strengths, and consider that the voltage of 220 or 380 V is not as strong as the human body.

Before working with an electrician, you must:

  • Disable the introductory machine.
  • Check if the line is actually de-energized.
  • Hang up a sign (especially if the work is carried out in the apartment, and the shield is located on the staircase).

You should never neglect such simple advice - it can cost a novice master life!

2. Work with an electrician only with gloves

It doesn't have to be bulky dielectric gloves - sometimes simple construction gloves are enough. Which still have minimal protection against electric current in direct contact, and are also able to protect the wearer from mechanical damage, such as being pricked by a copper conductor.

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3. Always look for signs of trouble

For example, the smell of burnt insulation or the usual heating of the plug from an electric kettle. Especially you should not pass by if a suspicious crack is heard in the switchboard.

An example of fused electrical wiring

4. Learn an electrician consistently and slowly

It is not necessary to proceed immediately after the first mounted outlet to the installation of an electrical panel on the staircase. Knowledge must come without haste so that it can be assimilated. Life experience will also be very useful.

5. Check zero and ground wire with an indicator screwdriver

A burnt-out neutral wire in a junction box can play a cruel joke. Therefore, both the working "zero" and the grounding wire must always be checked with an indicator screwdriver in order to make sure that a life-threatening potential does not "hang" on it.

Checking voltage with an indicator screwdriver

6. Do not use an unverified tool

There are times in life when there is no other option but to work under tension. And then it is best to use a tool with reliable dielectric handles. And for greater reliability, you can wear dielectric gloves.

7. Anyone can fix an electrician in an apartment or house - a delusion

Not any, and not everyone. And the best thing in this matter is to have a specialized education. A person without appropriate knowledge runs the risk of seriously paying for his oversight with at least health.

8. Don't buy cheap electrical products

A cheap electrician in a house or apartment leads at least to its constant repairs, at the most to defeat. Therefore, it is better to overpay a few dollars once than to do it systematically in the future. Modern, expensive electrical products also perform much better than their cheaper counterparts.

An example of a cheap outlet