Does Electricity And Technology Have Any Effect On Our Lives

Electricity has become the driving force in every modern technological idea and appliance that we are enjoying today. But, however useful electricity is, there continues to be quite a sizeable incidence of electricity-related mishaps all over the planet. Every year, electrical accidents account for hundreds of people who sustain a shock injury, burns of varying levels and most horrible of all, fatality due to electrical faults.

Why is Electricity so dangerous?

Overhead power lines which carry about 500,000 volts are not insulated. Substations and transformers possess "live" parts that are treacherous. Underground cables are well insulated, but any sharp object like a shovel for instance could potentially damage them, therefore creating an electric shock. Electricity every time will find the shortest path to the ground. It will seek every good conductor that it can pass through to get to the ground. As your body is about 70% water, it instantly will become a good conductor of electricity. If you touch a live wire whilst your feet are touching the earth, electricity will pass through your body to get to the ground causing an electric shock that can be wounding or even deadly.

Electric current can also produce extensive burns to your body. The lung and heart muscles can also be affected by electric shock. Direct current (DC) can make muscles involuntarily contract while alternating current (AC) can cause the heart to fibrillate.

Power lines are not the only cables that will damage you if you make contact to them. Home electrical appliances and wires also have the capability to harm you if you don't know how to take safeguards. December is the most dangerous month in terms of electrical fires. This is because there are more indoor activities all through this month that cause a rise inthe need for lighting, heating and appliance usage.

Electrical Safety Tips.

A number of electricity-related incidents can be prevented by observing easy safety tips in the home. It is important that you educate your children about observing and practicing electrical safety procedures.

Electrical Sockets and Cables.

Check plug sockets for slack fitting plugs that could overheat and create a fire. If wall plates are lost or broken be sure to replace them. If there are children in the home, cover all wall outlets as a safety precaution and tell your offspring not to play around the sockets. If possible, cover wall outlets or sockets with pieces of furniture.

See to it that cables are in good working order and not frayed or worn. Cables must not be nailed onto walls or sited under heavy carpeting. Donot put any furniture on top of them. If you are using extension cables, make sure that they are not overloaded. Extension cables should only be used on a temporary basis only. When unplugging cables remember to pull the plug from the outlet and not the cable itself.

Electrical Appliances.

All unused devices have to be unplugged and their cables out of reach from young kids, pets. Make certain that appliances that generate heat have some clearance all around for cooling and air circulation. When using appliances follow instructions and do not carry out repairs that you are not qualified to do. It is best to keep all electrical devices away from areas where water is present such as sinks, lavatories, swimming pools, tubs or any overhead vents that may drip. Keep in mind not to operate electrical devices with wet hands or while standing in water. If you have radiators, heating vents or space heaters, keep away articles of clothing, toys, curtains or any flammable materials.

Outdoor Electrical Safety.

It has long been seen that some people wrongly elect to use electric lawn mowers or equipment when it is raining or when the grass is wet. Stop! You'll only electricute yourself.

If there are pieces of a tree that are near the power lines, make sure you trim them. If you cannot do it, call the local tree surgeon and ask for help in pruning the tree. Keep away from power lines when you are flying kites or model airplanes. If there is an electrical storm (lightning) do not swim or play near water. If you see a power line that is down, do not touch it, even if you think it is not "live". Call the proper authorities.

I have always had all of the properties that I own maintained by the same company, they go by the name of Electrical Services London. Over the years they have saved me plenty of money, just by giving me some very useful advise and help.