How to Avoid Poolside Electrical Danger

1. How to Avoid Poolside Electrical Danger In the peak of our Summer, the pool is the ultimate place to relax whilst enjoying the sun. While it may seem like the ultimate retreat from the heat, a pool can be a dangerous place if mixed with electrical appliances. Electricity in and around the pool is high risk and appliances should only be used if proven to be water safe. When setting up electrical equipment around the pool area, our Residential Electrician suggests some rules of thumb to follow. 1. Where possible keep electrical equipment AWAY from the pool. Simply put, electricity and water do not mix- so always take extreme care if you are setting up electrical equipment close to water. Electrical devices that are not designed for water use (aka televisions or sound equipment) should always be placed 2 metres away. In the instance that such a device falls into the pool its electrical current will energise the water. If you then make contact with a conductor such as a pool ladder, electrocution can occur. Water safe electrical pool equipment can also sometimes pose danger in the water. If you notice damaged or fraying wires, the device is no longer water safe as the current is no longer insulated and can make contact with water. Heaven Sent Electrical 1

2. 2. Avoid swimming during lightning storms. Given the unpredictability of Melbourne’s weather, at one moment the sunshine can be beating down and the next a bout of rain and thunder. Therefore, a lightning storm during summer isn’t unlikely, and you should be well educated should it occur. Following the same principle of electricity and water, lightning produces an electrical current that will energise water allowing for electrocution. While swimming in a storm might seem like an exciting thing to do, your best bet is to remove yourself and children from the water to eliminate the danger. 3. Assess wiring of pool lights. Ambient pool lighting is a great function for evenings and makes a great backdrop for outdoor entertaining and summer barbeques. Always remember to leave this to the professionals, because if they become damaged or exposed, they pose threat in energising the water and forming a pool of electrical currents. Your Electrical Contractors will know how to safely repair and install lights without posing risk. A great way to avoid risk all together, is to have your electrician conduct a regular check for defects when they are next visiting your property. 4. Pool safety education Without eliminating fun from the pool area, its important to educate children on safe practices. Emphasise that water and electricity do not mix by telling them the following.  Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands. Heaven Sent Electrical 2

3.  Shake and make sure no water comes off before entering the home.  Leave your electrical toys in the safe hands of mum and dad by the pool. Parents remember, that while electrocution can occur causing injury to a child playing in the pool, the real danger comes from drowning. A small shock may leave a child unconscious, but supervision of drowning is essential. Lastly, it goes without saying that a licensed electrician should always be employed when installing or setting up electrical pool equipment. With this tips in hand we hope you enjoy the heat and stay safe around the pool this summer. Heaven Sent Electrical 3