8 Common Electrical Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Electrical hazards are a serious safety concern in homes, workplaces, and construction sites. From electric shock to electrical fires, these risks can cause severe injuries, property damage, and costly repairs.

Understanding the most common electrical hazards and how to prevent them can help ensure safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most frequent electrical hazards at home, how they occur, and the best safety measures to avoid them.

What are electrical hazards?

Electrical hazards refer to potential dangers that arise from electrical systems, equipment, and installations. These hazards can lead to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and even explosions.

The most common electrical hazards include:

• Overloaded circuits
• Faulty or outdated wiring
• Exposed electrical parts
• Wet conditions near electrical equipment
• Lack of proper grounding
• Improper use of extension cords

Recognising these risks is the first step in preventing electrical accidents and ensuring safety at home and work.

Why is it important to know about common electrical hazards?

Electrical hazards pose significant risks to personal safety and property. Electric shocks, short circuits, and faulty wiring can result in severe injuries and house fires. Identifying potential electrical hazards allows homeowners, office workers, and construction professionals to take preventive measures before a fault occurs.

Regular electrical maintenance, routine inspections, and following safety measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Knowing how to avoid electrical hazards is essential when working with electrical appliances, power supplies, or circuit breakers.

The 8 most common electrical faults/hazards and how to prevent them

1. Overloaded circuits

Overloaded circuits occur when too many electrical appliances or devices are plugged into the same circuit. This can lead to overheating, power surges, and electrical fires.

How to prevent overloaded circuits:

• Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage appliances into a single power outlet.
• Install additional circuits if your home or workplace frequently experiences power trips.
• Use circuit breakers to prevent excess electrical load and ensure safety.

2. Damaged electrical cords and appliances

Frayed wires, damaged insulation, and faulty electrical equipment increase the risk of electric shock and short circuits. Damaged electrical cords are a common hazard in both homes and workplaces.

How to prevent this hazard:

• Regularly inspect electrical cords and appliances for signs of wear and tear.
• Use electrical tape to repair minor cord damage, but replace significantly frayed wires immediately.
• Avoid using electrical tools or appliances with exposed wires.

3. Exposed electrical parts

Exposed electrical parts, such as damaged sockets, open junction boxes, and missing covers on electrical panels, pose a serious risk of electric shock.

These hazards are commonly found in workplaces with temporary lighting or under-maintained electrical installations.

How to prevent exposed electrical parts from causing accidents:

• Ensure all electrical panels, outlets, and wiring are properly covered.
• Use insulated tools when working near exposed electrical components.
• Have a professional electrician repair damaged electrical parts immediately.

4. Improper use of extension cords

Extension cords are convenient, but improper use can lead to overheating, short circuits, and electrical fires. Common mistakes include daisy-chaining multiple extension cords and using them as a permanent solution.

How to use extension cords safely:

• Use extension cords only as a temporary solution.
• Choose extension cords with the correct electrical load capacity for your devices.
• Never run extension cords under carpets or doorways, as this increases the risk of overheating.
• Keep extension cords out of reach of children to prevent accidents. Consider using safety covers on unused sockets and securing loose cables to avoid tripping hazards.

5. Faulty or outdated wiring

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires. Ageing electrical systems, loose connections, and inadequate insulation increase the risk of short circuits and overheating.

How to prevent electrical hazards from faulty wiring:

• Schedule routine inspections to identify faulty or outdated wiring.
• Replace old electrical wires with updated, properly insulated ones.
• Look for warning signs such as flickering lights, burning smells, or frequently tripping circuit breakers.

6. Wet conditions near electrical equipment

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Wet conditions near electrical systems significantly increase the risk of electric shock and electrocution.

How to reduce risks in wet conditions:

• Keep electrical appliances away from water sources, including sinks and outdoor areas.
• Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in areas prone to moisture.
• Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.

7. Lack of proper grounding

Proper grounding ensures that excess or unwanted voltage is safely directed into the ground, preventing electric shock and electrical malfunctions. Removing the metallic ground pin from a plug is a common mistake that increases the risk of electrical hazards.

How to ensure proper grounding:

• Never remove the metallic ground pin from electrical plugs.
• Have a professional inspect and install proper grounding for your electrical systems.
• Use surge protectors to prevent voltage spikes and protect electrical appliances.

8. Overhead power lines

Overhead power lines carry high voltages and pose a severe electrocution risk. Workers on construction sites and homeowners using tall ladders or tools near power lines are particularly vulnerable.

How to stay safe around overhead lines:

• Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from overhead power lines.
• Use non-conductive tools and protective gear when working near power lines.
• Contact emergency services or a qualified electrician if you notice damaged or fallen power lines.

When to call in a JustFix professional

While some electrical hazards can be prevented with basic safety measures, others require professional intervention.

JustFix connects you with qualified electricians who can perform routine inspections, repair faulty electrical systems, and ensure your home or workplace is safe.

Call a JustFix professional if you notice:

• Frequently tripping circuit breakers
• Burning smells or scorch marks on electrical outlets
• Flickering lights or unexplained power surges
• Exposed electrical wires or damaged insulation

Our certified electricians are trained to handle all electrical repairs, installations, and safety checks, giving you peace of mind.

FAQs

Who's at risk of electrical hazards?

Anyone who interacts with electrical equipment is at risk, but some groups face higher dangers. Construction workers, electricians, and industrial workers are exposed to high-voltage systems daily.

Office workers, homeowners, and children can also face risks from common hazards such as overloaded circuits and damaged electrical cords.

What is the most common electrical hazard in the workplace?

Overloaded circuits and exposed electrical parts are among the most common hazards in the workplace. Faulty wiring, improper grounding, and damaged tools can also lead to severe injuries and electrical fires.

Routine inspections, proper electrical maintenance, and following workplace safety regulations can significantly