Getting an electrical shock is the most common problem in Indian kitchens. As there are lots of loose cables and wet areas in kitchen, flow of electric current can be even felt sometimes in kitchen surfaces. In worst situations this can lead to fire or damaged electrical appliances. Recent study shows that 50% kitchen appliances turn bad within a year due to short circuits and electrical supply failure.
There are certain factors that can prevent us from not being in such situations; Quality of the electrical cables, kitchen designs, water and sewage designs and other factors can help us from getting electrical shocks. Let's know about these factors in detail:
• Always use dry hands while handling outlets and cords
- Keeping your hands dry should be the first precaution that you should take while handling any electrical appliance. As water is a good conductor of electricity, it is highly recommended to not touch electrical wires, plugs and outlets with wet hands. Use of good quality electrical cables and power outlets can prevent electrical shocks.
• Quality of electrical cables
- The quality of electrical cable used is kitchen should always be good to ensure proper safety. Most common used electrical appliances are mixer grinder, microwave ovens, exhausts and other appliances depending upon personal needs. All these appliances requires high voltage for proper functioning.
As most areas in kitchens are wet, multi-layered cables are considered to be best for kitchen use. It might be a bit expensive then regular wires but on the brighter side it will protect your expensive electrical appliances and prevent electrical shocks.
• Planned wiring throught the kitchen:
While designing kitchens, ensure to keep wire and cable as away as possible from water supplies. It's a known fact that water is good conductor of electricity, getting a minor shock in kitchen is common.
With good quality cables and planned wiring, we can easily dodge any mishap. A well planned electrical mapping is required not just for kitchens but also for entire house. It is very cheap and wise thing to do.
• Good quality water pipes:
Internal water leaks can be dangerous for electrical cables. It can destroy the walls as well internal wiring of kitchens. It is not advised to put any electrical outlet beside sinks and taps. We should always use hight quality PVC water pipes to prevent any kind of water leakage in the kitchen. Leaking water pipes can affect the internal wiring that may lead to voltage destabilization and damage to electrical appliances.
• Turn off power when not in use
- We should always turn off the switch when the appliance is not in use. Turning of the switch doesn't just prevents electric shocks but also saves electricity. This simple habit can make you save a lot from your energy bills. Switching of appliances when not in use also increases the life of the appliances.