Electricity is inherently dangerous, which is why you might cringe when you think of your clients endangering themselves when conducting DIY repairs. Fortunately, by educating the people you work for, you can help keep your customers safer at home. Here are three safety tips electricians should teach their clients about electric equipment.

Ways to Stay Safe Around Electric Equipment

1. Never Investigate Hot Wiring

To keep your clients safe, teach them how to shut off their electrical panel properly. Show them how to turn off the switch to the circuit breaker and how to see if any charge is coming through the line using a multimeter. Explain that while it is possible to work a circuit hot, it is never a smart idea, and that shutting off the power first is essential for preventing potentially life-threatening shocks.

2. Use Extension Cords Carefully

Often, clients use extension cords to power various items in their home temporarily. While this can work, extension cords are prone to failure, especially if they have been kicking around the house for years. When people step on extension cords or the wires have been in use for a long time, they can develop faults, generating heat and potentially sparking fires. Especially warn against overloading one socket with multiple plugs.

3. Check Wattages When Selecting Bulbs

Although it can be tempting to install higher-wattage bulbs than a device calls for, doing so could cause problems with the electric equipment, sparking a house fire. High-wattage bulbs can require more power than a line is designed to handle, making the wiring brittle and prone to arcing. Also, high-wattage bulbs can generate heat. Show clients where to find bulb wattage recommendations and explain the importance of erring on the side of caution.

When you need electric equipment to make a home or business safer, turn to Lincoln Winlectric in Lancaster County, NE. This leading supplier carries a large inventory of top brands, and their professionals are committed to making your job easier by offering exactly what you need. Learn more about how they can help by visiting their website or by giving their team a call at (402) 423-3100.