Homeowners Guide to Electrical Safety

When performing any work on electrical systems, it is critical to have the correct tools and safety equipment and to use your tools in the manner prescribed.

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Always use insulated tools to reduce the risk of electrocution.

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There are three basic tools for testing if an electrical circuit is live: a no-touch voltage tester, a plug tester, and an electrical meter.

Before beginning work, test the circuit to confirm it is live, then turn off the circuit breaker in your electrical panel, then test the circuit again to confirm it is dead.

If you cannot confirm the correct breaker, or if you are not confident in your safety equipment, you can de-energize the entire electrical system by turning off the main breaker.

Electrical dangers can exist throughout your home. Be aware of the following hazards.

Outlet and switch cover plates may seem like they are primarily decorative, they provide protection against an electric shock and are an important part of electrical safety.

Splices must always be safely contained in an electrical box, whether it be an outlet, switch, light box, or simply junction boxes.

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