Protect Yourself by Practicing Electrical Safety

Fundamentals of Electricity

  • There must be a completed path (circuit) stemming from and returning to the power source (battery, transformer) in order for electricity to flow.
  • Electrical current has the ability to flow through humans and other conductors, such as earth, metals and concrete.

  • Insulators are resistant the flow of electricity. Insulating materials are used to create electrical work gloves and are used to coat copper conducting wires. Insulators help shield individuals from coming into contact with flowing electricity.

  • Even when there is not electricity flowing through receptacle, there is still “potential” electricity in the receptor that can cause shock.