Ensuring Safety and Maintenance with Portable Electrical Appliances
Guest Post
As consumers, we are surrounded by portable electrical equipment no matter where we are. Homes, cars, shops, office wherever we go our lives are either incomplete or highly inconvenient without the presence of these modern genies performing various tasks for their masters. It is important that we understand the hazards and dangers involved with using these devices. They may seem harmless and have become a part of our very existence but they still draw electricity and carry a certain amount of danger if not used or maintained properly. Let us look at some basic yet critical precautions for safe coexistence with portable electrical devices.
Information, Education and Testing
Users should be careful of the power supply cable and check them for fitness before plugging in the device in a hurry, like we usually do. Knowledge of the equipment and assessment based on that knowledge before plugging in should be done. Another practice that will ensure safety is periodical maintenance of appliances like oiling, removing carbon etc.
A list of checks to be performed before plugging in portable appliances:
- Check the power supply cable for damage like cuts etc.
- Check the plugs and switches and ensure their fitness
- Taped joints be should be inspected carefully
- Check the equipment for damage or fatigue
- Check for burn marks etc. indicating improper functioning
- Check the electrical parts for dryness
After having inspected and ensuring satisfaction about the fitness of the appliance it is ready to be plugged in and used.
Correct Usage
The risk of compromising with safety becomes really high if a certain device or equipment is not used in a manner which it is intended to. You should be educated and experienced about how to utilise a portable appliance before putting it in use. It is your duty to check if the method of usage is correct, whether the environment is suitable for the usage of a particular appliance etc. For example the use of an electric kettle which is not properly insulated should be done with thermal protection and they should be kept away from children. A common mistake made by people is to converse on cell phone handsets while the charger is plugged on, this habit has lead to electrocution in cases.
Key points to ensure correct usage of portable electrical appliances:
- Read the user manuals
- Do not overstress the appliance by excessive usage
- Run the appliance as per manufacturer’s instructions only
- Never plug more than one appliance into a single electrical outlet
- Use an appliance for its designated purpose only
- Do not use indoor appliance outdoor and vice-versa
- Keep appliances away from water, unless designed for the purpose
- Do not use electrical appliances in rain
- Children must use portable electrical appliances under adult supervision
The advent of portable electrical appliances has made our lives much easier, we can perform many tasks with less effort and time but we must use them with safety precautions in mind, and respect their limitations.
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