When you reach out to use an appliance, the last thing you expect is a sudden jolt of electricity. An unexpected shock, no matter how big or small, can leave you feeling alarmed and even attacked by your own appliances!
Experiencing such a shock can be a sign of a deeper electrical issue in your home. Such incidents raise concerns about safety and may indicate problems that need immediate attention to prevent potential hazards.
With decades of experience since 1951, Staley Electric is recognized as a leading expert in providing top-tier electrical systems and services. Let’s delve into why shocks from appliances occur, outline the common causes, and provide actionable advice on how to prevent them.
What Causes Electrical Shocks?
An electrical shock from an appliance occurs when electricity flows through a person’s body after making contact with an energized component of the appliance. This can happen when there are faults within the appliance itself or through unsafe practices like handling appliances with wet hands or using them near water. Damaged or malfunctioning appliances may leak current if their insulation breaks down, allowing electricity to escape to exposed metal parts. When touched, this can result in anything from a mild tingle to a severe jolt, depending on the voltage and current involved.
Other Common Causes of Appliance Shocks
- Faulty Wiring: Deteriorated or improperly installed wiring can expose live wires or create poor connections, allowing electricity to find unintended paths to ground through a person, resulting in an electrical shock.
- Electrical Outlets: Loose or damaged outlets can lead to partial plug connections, which may cause arcing or sparks that can shock someone as they attempt to plug in or touch a device.
- DIY Electrical Work: Inexperienced or improper DIY electrical repairs can lead to incorrect wiring or unsafe connections, which can inadvertently create a direct pathway for electricity that can shock users interacting with the system.
- Extension Cords: Overused or overloaded extension cords can fray or crack, exposing wires. This exposure can result in direct contact with electricity if touched, causing shocks.
- Too Many Devices: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can cause overheating and short circuits within the outlet itself, creating conditions where shocks can occur when devices are plugged in or touched.
- Water Near Outlets: Water conducts electricity, so when water comes into contact with electrical outlets, it can create a direct path for electricity to flow through the water, leading to shocks when these wet outlets are touched.
- Use of Two-Prong Outlets: Two-prong outlets lack the third hole required for the grounding prong found on modern appliances. When a three-prong appliance is connected to a two-prong outlet without the correct adapter or necessary electrical modifications, it bypasses the grounding mechanism designed to enhance safety. This setup leaves the appliance ungrounded, increasing the risk of electrical shocks.
- Short Circuits: Short circuits occur when electricity takes an unintended path due to issues like damaged wiring or moisture, bypassing normal routes within an appliance. This can cause the appliance’s casing or other conductive parts to become electrified, posing a shock hazard to anyone touching it.
Safety Measures to Prevent Shocks
Stop shocks before they harm you! Implement these vital safety measures to prevent painful and potentially harmful electrical encounters.
Routine Electrical Inspections
Having your electrical systems inspected regularly by certified electricians is the best way to identify and mitigate risks before they lead to shocks. Our professionals can assess your home’s electrical wiring, electrical panels, and devices to make sure they meet the National Electrical Code and function safely.
Proper Appliance Maintenance
Keeping your electrical appliances in good working order is crucial. This includes routine servicing and prompt repairs, which not only extend the life of the appliances but also maintain their safety. Service technicians with extensive training should perform maintenance checks early on faulty appliances to spot any potential issues.
Safe Usage of Electrical Components
Educate yourself and your family about the safe usage of electrical components. This includes not overloading outlets, regularly checking for damaged electrical cords, and using the right type of cords for specific tasks. Avoid using damaged or old electrical equipment, and replace any item that cannot be repaired safely.
What to Do If You Experience an Electric Shock
If you experience a shock, disconnect the appliance immediately and turn off the power source if it’s safe to do so. Avoid further contact with the appliance until it has been checked by a professional. If the shock is severe, seek medical attention immediately, as some effects may not be immediately apparent.
Consulting a Professional
After experiencing a shock, have a professional electrician inspect your appliance and home’s electrical system. Our team of local electricians at Staley Electric is ready to provide comprehensive electrical work to diagnose and resolve issues so that everything is up to code.
Contact Us for Electrical Services in Little Rock, AR, and the Surrounding Areas
Your appliances are meant to serve their functions efficiently and safely, not jolt you awake with an unexpected bolt of electricity. To put an end to any electrical shocks from your appliances, contact Staley Electric for dependable and expert electrical services in Little Rock, AR, and nearby areas. Whether you need residential, commercial, or industrial electrical services, our team of certified electricians is here to help. Reach out today to schedule an inspection or service appointment!
