Safety Tips When Working With Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers are an indispensable part of the electrical system of a building, however, if these safety tips are not adhered to when working with them then there can be more damage. Such piece of electrical systems keeps you, your near and dear ones, those near and inside the building, and the buildings safe.
Wear Protective Gear
Do not take chances working on electrical systems. Even a slight possibility of an arc flash can cause damage. Thus, you should take all proper safety measures like wearing PPE – Personal Protective Equipment. How can you identify arc flash hazard? Check if circuit parts are exposed along with the overall design of the machine. Additionally, find out when the machine or equipment was installed and if it was installed correctly.
Turn Off All Power
Before starting to work on the circuit breaker panel, make sure you turn off the main breaker and ensure the panel is isolated. This is something you have to do even if you are planning to do the simplest of the procedures to the breakers like inspections of worn-out breakers.
Inspect and Check Before Turning it On
Yet another major and important precautionary measure that should be taken for the safety of the circuit breaker panel of a building is regular maintenance by an experienced and licensed electrician. If you fail to do so, then it can trigger damage to the panel along with the other electrical components of the building. Do not flip the breaker to find out if it is working. That is not the right way to inspect and check everything is connected properly and can cause severe damage.
Be Mindful of What is Hot
It is important to know that even if the main breaker is off, the main bus bar can still be hot. The same stands true for the conductors connected and leading to the panel. Always use proper procedures and tools and precautionary measures to get the task done.
Select the Right Circuit Breaker
There are several types of circuit breakers available in the market. The breaker you select should be compatible with the existing panel. You can do so by checking if it has the proper amperage rating and matching wire. If you are unsure about the type of circuit breaker you need, contact an experienced and expert company.
Regular Inspection of New Parts and Tools
When adding a new or replacing a circuit breaker, make sure you spare some time and inspect that all the new parts, tools, and wires are not damaged. These quick inspections are crucial to safety. They do not only ensure connections are working properly but also you save your time and money in the long run.
SO, the next time you work on a circuit breaker panel, follow the above-mentioned tips to ensure your safety. Taking the right precautions is a must to avoid any damage.
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