It’s almost impossible to imagine a world without electricity. Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re relying on electricity to do so. Electricity brings us so many conveniences – light, heat, warmth and access to technology. Unfortunately, though, it’s also unpredictable and unforgiving when things go wrong. Avoid the risk of fire, burns, electric shock, disability or death by learning to recognising an electrical emergency and knowing the right way to deal with it.
Understanding the basics: What is electricity?
Electricity is a form of energy that is transferred from one place to another by an electrical current. It’s measured in voltage, which is the power or force behind it. Anything in excess of 1000 volts is considered to be ‘high voltage’. Electricity, if properly contained, flows through a circuit. It can become a hazard because it seeks out ‘earth’ (the quickest shortcut to the ground) and will adopt any pathway that is conductive, including a person’s body.
The passage of electrical current through a person’s body can be completely devastating and ultimately fatal. The extent of the damage will depend on the voltage and other circumstances such as period of time to which a person has been subjected to the electrical current. An electrical emergency arises if the circuit is interrupted or damaged, allowing the electrical current to seek out earth through alternative means.
How do you recognise an electrical emergency?
There are many potential signs of an electrical emergency, including fallen power lines, a switch or appliance that isn’t working, or a tripped safety switch or circuit breaker. Some signs are subtle, like a noise or smell; others more obvious, like a spark or a flash. But sometimes there are no signs at all. If you even suspect that you have a problem, you should proceed with great caution. Only a licensed, qualified and experienced electrician can deal with and fix an electrical emergency.
Your first responsibility is to ensure you own safety and that of the people around you. More often than not this will mean removing yourself completely from the area and remaining a safe distance away until expert help arrives. Call 000 if anyone is injured or if there is a fire or other imminent danger to property or lives.
How can you avoid an electrical emergency?
The best way to avoid an electrical emergency is by installing a safety switch in your home or business. A safety switch is like a watchdog that never sleeps. It constantly monitors the flow of an electrical current through a circuit. It cuts off power almost instantaneously if it detects a problem or irregularity. In doing so, it shields you from electrical shock and can also prevent a fire.
If you are engaging an electrician to do any work at your home or business, ask them to keep an eye out for any other faults and potential electrical hazards before they become dangerous. You can also take steps to prevent electrical emergencies by ensuring that your electrical wiring and appliances are properly installed, maintained and regularly tested by a qualified and licensed electrician. Like any equipment, wiring can be damaged by events such as storms or as a consequence of rodent or possum damage. Similarly it can degrade over time if inferior wiring or componentry is used.
An experienced electrician will recognise and alert you to any potential hazards well before they pose a risk to you, your family or your property. Electrical repairs and maintenance should never be the domain of the home handyman.
At K Electrical we understand that electrical emergencies don’t always arise during normal business hours. We offer a 24-7, highly-qualified and experienced emergency call out team in Bundaberg, Gladstone and the Hervey Bay area to assist you if you suspect that you have an electrical emergency. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us for assistance on (07) 4152 2177 any time of the day or night.
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