The best tip to give anyone when dealing with electrical appliances is to let the professionals do it. It’s easy to forget that the electricity is there because you can’t see it and you don’t have to think about it.
However, electric shocks can be fatal, it is a dangerous substance and one that needs to be handled with respect. That’s why you should have the number of a qualified Sydney electrician to hand, they will be able to help you with any query.
Of course, there are some things that you can do yourself. But, eve, when it seems simple, remember the following safety tips:
Light Bulbs Are Hot: Light bulbs heat up to create the light. After they have been on for a very short period they will reach pea operating temperature, this is when the light is at its brightest.
You can’t touch the bulb when it is on or even as soon as you turn it off, you will burn your hand. It is best to let it cool before you touch it. However, if you have no choice you’ll want to use a cloth to protect your hand and minimize your handling of the bulb.
Cables: It’s not just the lights in the ceiling that you should be thinking about. Most homes have portable lights, these may be desk lamps or tall lights to add mood lighting to a room.
There is nothing wrong with having these lamps. But, you do need to ensure the cable is out of the way and doesn’t represent a trip hazard. In addition, it’s important to make sure the light switch is in a safe place. On other words, you can’t accidentally touch the bulb while looking for the switch.
Live Cables: If you feel the need to remove the light fixture from the ceiling or the switch from the wall, proceed with caution. It is best to turn the power off to the circuit. Power can be directed to the switch and then the light fitting, or it can be done the other way around. That means you could be dealing with live cables which is why it’s best to turn the circuit off before you do anything.
Wattage: All light fittings have a maximum wattage written on them. That’s the maximum watt bulb that can be placed into the fitting. You should adhere to this. Placing a higher wattage bulb in will put excessive pressure on the circuit, potentially resulting in a fire.
You also need to be mindful of the circuit rating. A ten amp circuit breaker will support 1,200 watts. If you are fitting downlighters you may be surprised at how quickly you can go past this limit.
Don’t Forget the Glare: While the majority of issues and safety tips relating to lights are based on the danger of electricity. You should always consider the type of light you are dealing with. Lights that are too bright or have too much glare will increase the risk of you suffering headaches, that’s not beneficial to anyone.