Over the past two decades, global access to electricity has increased by 10%. Even so, not everyone understands it. Electricity myths pass around far too frequently without evidence that they’re true. Since electricity can seriously hurt and kill, this can be dangerous.
The handling of electricity can be dangerous if it is not done correctly. Therefore, home electrical systems should be handled with safety precautions.
To keep your family and home safe, it’s crucial to debunk myths about electricity. The following are some common household electrical myths.
Myth: Objects Made of Rubber Are Good Insulators
A rubber material is an insulator, which means it does not conduct electricity. Therefore, many believe wearing rubber gloves or shoes while handling live electrical wires will protect them. However, their materials are not entirely electrically safe because they contain other materials that conduct electricity.
Rubber gloves and shoes aren’t always made from 100% rubber. Never trust any electrical safety device or equipment without reading the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Myth: Static Electricity Is Not Dangerous
In spite of the fact that static electricity does not directly endanger human life, an electric shock produced by a static charge could lead to an accidental injury. Electrical shock occurs when an electric current flows through the human body and damages internal organs, muscles, and nerves. There can be as much as three thousand (3,000) volts of static electricity in a spark. Damages are not caused by voltage but by flammable gases or oxygen at high concentrations.
Researchers also found that static electric fields encountered in the environment affected brain neurochemistry.
Myth: Power Lines Are Always Insulated
Most overhead power lines aren’t insulated, despite popular belief. They are usually placed out of reach so they aren’t in danger.
Metal is the only material used for high-voltage transmission lines, usually aluminum or aluminum wrapped around steel. Some lines have weatherproofing coverings but are not designed to protect the wires from electricity. You should never touch them, otherwise, you could get electrocuted.
Myth: Wood Can’t Conduct Electricity
Generally, wood is not a good conductor of electricity, but wet wood can become one. However, high-voltage energy can easily pass through the wood. If the wood gets wet, it becomes an excellent conductor, even if the voltage is low, so be careful.
If you’re doing electrical work on a wooden ladder, ensure it’s not wet to avoid electrical risks. Even insulated lines can become unprotected after being exposed to the elements. Wood is a popular material for building houses and has been used for centuries. Installing electrical systems on wood requires appropriate fire safety measures because it is combustible.
Myth: Wires With Low Voltage Are Safe
Volts cannot harm you, but amps can. There is some truth to this myth. Technically, amps can hurt you, not volts. However, due to their correlation, the two terms frequently need clarification. Volts describe how strong a current is. A higher voltage number indicates a stronger current.
Alternatively, amps indicate how much current is flowing. Volts and amps are both connected, but amps pose the greatest danger.
Myth: Power Lines Shut off When They Fall on the Ground
There is a possibility that the line is still energized, and that means any metal objects nearby may also be energized. On the other hand, you won’t see sparkles when a line falls to the ground due to weak conductors such as asphalt, snow, or bricks.
Don’t touch a live wire if you come across one. When touched, it could electrocute you. In either case, you should stay at least 20 meters from the line. It is always safe to assume that a fallen line is still live.
Myth: Tires Are Good Electrical Insulators
Often, vehicle tires are mistaken for insulators, but they’re actually electrical conductors. Electricity will always seek the least-resistance path to the ground if a live wire falls on your car. So electricity will flow along the car’s surface, through the tires, and into the ground. Electricity can’t enter the ground if you don’t provide an equivalent pathway through your body.
To Sum Up
These are just some of the myths that can lead to severe injuries. Electricity should always be handled with caution. When electricity passes through the body and generates heat, it can cause burns on the skin and other tissues.
In addition to causing physical harm, electricity can also cause fires. Electrical fires can occur when electrical systems are not correctly installed or maintained when wires are frayed or damaged, or when there is an electrical overload.
Whenever working with or near electrical systems, it is essential to wear protective gear, turn off the power before working on electrical system.
Some of us need a clearer understanding of electrical wiring or how electricity works. For that reason, it may be important to fully understand when and why it is important to hire a handyman. Prepare your family and make sure they know how to handle electricity safely.
