Electrical Safety Rules

These are the basic safety rules you must remember:

• Never work on a live circuit, fixture, or device.
• Shut off power to a circuit before repairing a device or load on the circuit. Keep one arm behind your back (or otherwise away from the panel) when shutting off or turning on a circuit.
• Use a fuse puller to remove and replace fuses. Consider shutting off the power to the fuse box at the main disconnect.
• Tape over or otherwise mark a main switch, fuse socket, or circuit breaker that’s been shut off if you’re working anywhere on your electrical system. This tells others not to turn the power on. (Post a large note on the fuse box or service panel as well.)
• Always test to make sure the circuit has been shut off before doing any repairs.
• Always unplug a cord-and-plug appliance, lamp, or other similarly connected load before repairing it.
• Never stand in a puddle or on a wet surface when doing electrical repairs. Place a piece of wood on a damp floor and wear thick rubber boots to insulate your feet.