Building materials are more than bricks and mortar. They complete a house and facilitate all the modern amenities that are there in the market. They can be sanitary ware, kitchenware, or electrical equipment like switches and sockets. Among these many options to facilitate a building, electrical components seem to occupy an essential space in contemporary existence. 

Speaking about electrical equipment, particularly switches, and sockets, there is a safety aspect that needs to be considered. Many researches and studies seem to emphasize this aspect. For example, a study published in the “Journal of Fire Protection Engineering” analyses the causes of electrical fires in residential buildings. The findings of these studies include stark insights into the effects of faulty switches, sockets, and electric wiring in triggering these disasters. 

Prevention is always better than cure. In this perspective, the following safety tips will be useful.

Safety Tips on Handling Switches and Sockets

Ensure Proper Installation

This electrical equipment more than any other building component requires to be installed by qualified professionals. Such a professional should also follow local electrical codes and regulations to prevent hazards such as short circuits and electrical fires. Since electrical mishaps account for a considerable number of civilian deaths, injuries, and property damage per year this is not an area that can take the brunt of mishandling. 

Child Proofing Tamper Resistant Outlets

While installing switches and sockets in Dubai it is essential to childproof them with proper covering. A study published in the “Journal of Pediatric Health Care” emphasises such importance of child-proofing electrical outlets. It suggests using safety covers to prevent children from inserting objects into sockets leading to electric shocks and burns. The fact that a pediatric journal mentions this fact is a reflection of the increasing number of reported cases. 

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Overloading sockets with multiple equipment can cause overheating resulting in fire incidents. A surge protector is a good solution to prevent such practices. 

Keep Dry Hands

Wet hands are ideal conductors for electric current. Don’t ignore the obvious. Wipe the hands in a dry cloth before touching switches and sockets. 

Replace Old Switches and Sockets

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), aging electrical infrastructure can increase the risk of electrical hazards like short circuits and fires. Wear and tear and corrosion are safety hazards that mount over time. So it is advisable to replace old electric components with new switches and sockets in Dubai. 

Regular Inspection

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical failure or malfunction contributed to 10 percent of home fires and 12 percent of civilian deaths in the US from 2016 to 2020. Considering these facts it is high time to be alert and inspect the wear and tear, loose connections, and malfunctioning of switches and sockets intermittently. 

Educate Children  

Children are most likely to mishandle switches and sockets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2400 children aged between 1 to 14 years are admitted to emergency departments for injuries related to electrical outlets in the US each year. Such data points to the emergency of guiding children on the topic. A practical approach is to guide by example. Also, try to give them positive responses to good practices rather than following a punitive strategy. 

Also, keep in mind that compromising the quality of these components is equal to risking your life for money. Electrical switches and sockets adhering to high safety standards and quality are a must for enhanced security for your life and property. This is exactly why veteran building component suppliers like Plaza Middle East are here at your service in the UAE.