Stay Safe and Smart: Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

Do you remember rubbing a balloon on your hair and using static electricity to shock someone? Friction causes your hair to collect electrons from the balloon for a while, then release them onto your friend’s nose.

Large clouds use the same principle to create lightning. Since cumulonimbus clouds can weigh over 2 billion pounds, the amount of static electricity in lightning is immense—the average lightning strike releases 300 million volts.

Scientists and engineers use motion—hydro, wind, and steam-powered turbines—to pull electrons in large quantities to produce steady streams of electrons or electric current. Electric current is used to power our homes, businesses, industries, and communities.

So, we pull electrons for our use, and they keep moving, seeking to be released somewhere that needs lots of electrons. Wiring keeps the electrons contained but electrons will use any chance available to seek a large mass needing plenty of electrons. The largest mass available is the earth itself, so we say electricity is seeking “ground.”

If a substance refuses to allow electrons to move, it is called an insulator. If a substance allows electrons to move, it is called a conductor. If a conductor causes the electrons to slow down, this is called resistance and resistance causes intense heat.

We use resistance in toasters, hair dryers, and ovens. However, if current tries to pass through a resistant conductor that is not designed to carry current, the intense heat can cause a fire.

The human body uses electricity constantly, but the currents are extremely low. How low? Electrical signals are measured in millivolts—a strong signal is approximately 30 millivolts or .03 volts. Contact with a current of 120 or 240 volts is extremely disruptive to organs that produce these millivolts (the heart or brain are good examples). The surrounding tissue is a resistant conductor, so a high current is very destructive to cells.

Use these principles to develop electrical safety standards around your home.

1. Children are curious and do not know of the dangers of electricity. It is up to parents to take measures (often called childproofing) to protect young family members. Plastic plugs and tamper-resistant outlets are cheap corrective tools when applied before a disaster. Develop electrical safety protocols with the most vulnerable in mind.
2. Appliances often put resistance to work to complete everyday tasks. That means both heat and current are very close to individuals who use electrical devices. Since they come into contact with both human bodies and combustible materials, be sure to repair or discard broken devices and extension cords.
3. Trying to force too much current through wires, outlets, or extension cords changes them from conductors to resistant conductors. The resulting heat will create fire hazards and sometimes the evidence of damage is hidden behind the wall. Have an electrician add sufficient circuits to meet household needs and avoid the dangers of overloading/overheating devices.
4. Water is an EXCELLENT conductor of electricity, so we say “Water and electricity should not mix.” Building codes require that anywhere that electricity comes within 6’ of a water source—in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near pools—ground fault circuit interrupter outlets and switches be installed. GFCI devices trip at the outlet or switch when a ground fault happens, many times faster than it takes for the breaker to trip at the electrical panel. Outlets, switches, and cords in outdoor settings are especially susceptible.
5. Overhead cables carry a much higher current than indoor wiring. Remember, all that current is seeking to do is reach the ground. Be extremely careful with ladders, poles, or body parts to avoid becoming the conductor. Avoid contact with trees that have limbs that touch power lines, especially whenever it is raining, or the wind is blowing.Downed power lines are extremely dangerous since they carry very high voltage. Coming into contact is usually deadly, but contact is not the only danger. Often, the ground is wet, making the surrounding area a pool of conductivity.

Empower Your Kids with Electrical Safety Knowledge: A Bright Step Towards a Safer Future

Understanding electrical safety is crucial for keeping our kids safe at home and beyond. By teaching them the importance of respecting electrical devices, recognizing hazards, and following simple safety rules, we empower them to make smart choices.

With our four decades of experience in Electrical Safety, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge to help teach your children the importance of electrical safety in your home.

Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, Home Electrical Safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.