Working with or around electricity can be intimidating for homeowners doing their own renovation projects. While you don't need to be afraid of electrical work, being too lackadaisical can cause people to get hurt. In addition to the normal safety rules that you adhere to during any type of construction, keep the following situations in mind. Paying attention to them in advance can head off problems before they even happen.

Working around Overhead Lines

Overhead lines seem like they're out of the way, but if a line comes down or if an object you're holding hits an uninsulated portion of the line, big problems can result. Other issues stem from someone accidentally catching a line, say, with a ladder, and pulling it down. If you're doing a home project on a roof you could come into contact with overhead lines, so always pay attention to what is overhead when moving tall items like ladders. If lines do come down, it's important that anyone who might be working at or walking through the site knows what to do. Someone needs to call the local utility company as soon as the problem is discovered and everyone needs to stay well away from downed lines. If water is involved, everyone should keep away from wet areas because water conducts electricity very easily.

Working Near Underground Lines

Often homeowners feel that underground lines are safer than overhead lines because they're not in danger of falling on anyone or anything while work is being done. The reality is that underground lines should cause you the same concern as raised power lines, especially if the work involves digging of any kind. Before starting any project, make sure that you get updated information from the local power company regarding the location and the depth of any underground lines. Then you can work around the lines and avoid cutting anything.

Using the Wrong Tools

When working around electricity at all, the right tools make all the difference. Choosing the wrong tools can at the very least give anyone handling them a bit of a jolt if they come into contact with electricity. In the worst situation, though, fatal electrocution could occur. Aluminum ladders, for example, are a bad idea when you're dealing with any kind of electrical situation. Fiberglass is a much better choice, since it's not a conductor of electrical current as long as it's dry. Rubber-handled tools provide a buffer and don't allow the circuit to complete, so they're safer to use. Take a few moments before any electrical job to really look at the tools you plan to use so that you can make better choices if you need to.

If you're in the market for help with your electrical construction needs, make sure that you contact a professional, like one from Albarell Electric Inc. That way you'll get the help that you need without much less risk.