6 Safety Tips For Working On Electrical Wiring In Your Home

When there is a light out or you want to do some electrical work on the house, there are imperative safety measures to take. There are plenty of DIY electrical projects that you can do to your home, but it will not be worth it in the end if you become hurt or injured. Here are six safety tips to follow when you're doing electrical work in your home:

1. Evaluate Whether or Not the Project is Right for You: Before you get started on any project, know what that project entails. This means you must read all the steps that you are going to be working through. At some point, you may realize that you are not comfortable working with certain electrical tools or wires. This is when you should stop and call a professional to complete the job. Professionals, like ABC Electric Co, are specially trained to handle all residential electrical work.
2. Wear the Right Safety Gear: If you are comfortable with the DIY electrical project that you have ahead of you, then the first thing you must do is put on all of the right safety gear. Even if you believe that some of the gear is unnecessary, you should still be wearing it to stay as safe as possible. Safety gear includes glasses, rubber-sole shoes, gloves, and a dust mask. 
3. Turn Off the Power: Now that you have your safety gear in place, you want to turn off the power before stepping into the project itself. This is a vital step for your safety since it will ensure that the circuit you are working with will not electrocute you. So, go to your home's electrical panel, and turn off the circuit that you are working with. Once you have done this, you must test the circuit to be sure that it is definitely off. If you are working with an outlet, test the slots with a multi-meter, which shows you whether or not there is voltage coming through. If you are working with an electrical feature that is turned on with a switch, then test the switch by removing the cover plate and using the multi-meter to test the copper wire inside.
4. Turn the Circuit Back On Properly: Once you have finished with the project, you'll obviously want to turn the circuit back on. In order to do this with caution, you will want to stand to the side of the panel and turn your head away in the case that something backfires when you turn it on or off.
5. Use Ear Protection: When you are working with any equipment that is loud, you must wear ear plugs. They are inexpensive and will keep your hearing from becoming damaged.
6. Use Your Gear Properly: Make sure your power tools and equipment are set to off before you plug them in. If you have to use a ladder for the job, avoid a metal one since it can be a conductor. Stand on a rubber mat for further protection. Lastly, make sure the area you are working in is dry and that there are no chemicals or vapors that could ignite.

By knowing these safety tips, you are ready to start your DIY electrical project. Just remember, if any of the steps in your project intimidate you, then it is best left for the professionals.