Safety with electricity

Many home fires are the result of faulty or inadequate electrical wiring. Any electric current running through a wire produces heat, which, if not properly controlled, is dangerous. Electric wires are surrounded by a nonconducting, heat-resistant sheath, called insulation, which separates the two wires in an electric cord and protects them from outside exposure. If this insulation wears or burns away, the two wires touch one another and a short circuit results. This can produce a shower of sparks or enough heat to start a serious fire. Most towns have strict laws covering the installation of electrical wiring and equipment.

All electrical wiring should be installed and maintained by a qualified, licensed electrician. Old wiring should be replaced when necessary. Cords should not be run under rugs, hung over nails, or placed in any way that may cause excessive wear.

An electric wire is made to carry a limited amount of current. It should not be overloaded by addition of multiple-outlet fixtures to sockets. Only fuses of the proper size should be used. Then, if the wire is overloaded, the fuse will burn out and shut off the electricity before the wire overheats and burns away the insulation.

An electric current passes easily through the human body-our skin is just about our only insulation. But the body is not intended to carry electricity, and a strong charge causes our muscles to contract. This is an electric shock. A serious electric shock contracts the muscles so violently that it may paralyze them or it may paralyze a nerve center. Death from electric is usually caused by paralysis of the heart muscles or paralysis of the nerve center that controls breathing.

To avoid shocks:

• Never touch any electrical appliance if your hands are wet.
• Never touch an electrical appliance and a metal fixture, such as a faucet or radiator, at the same time.
• Never touch any electrical appliance or switch when any part of your body is in water.
• Never unplug an appliance by pulling o the cord, or eventually you will break the connection with the plug.

See also : First Aid in case of electric shock | What is electricity〈