Safety 101 Expert electrical wiring tips for your bathroom.

The bathroom can be a very dangerous place when it comes to electrical connections. Water is a good conductor of electricity. Due to this, the constant presence of moisture in your bathroom greatly increases the risk of electrocution, fire or other electrical hazards. Despite this, a variety of electrical appliances such as electrical razors, hair dryers and water heaters are still used. It's therefore in your best interests to ensure the electrical wiring in your bathroom won't endanger your safety. Here are some valuable tips to consider when having your bathroom wiring installed.

Use a Residual Current Device (RCD)

A RCD device, otherwise known as a safety switch, is compulsory in your bathroom. Ensure these devices are connected to every electrical socket or outlet in your bathroom. They are designed to cut off the power supply to a socket whenever there is loss or leak of the current in the circuit. Considering the leak may cause electric shock, RCDs have saved countless lives across the country. They work by monitoring the potential difference between the live conductor and the neutral conductor. Ideally, the current flowing through each conductor should be equal, so the power is cut off whenever this isn't the case. Have your RCD installed by a qualified electrician to ensure your safety.

Install moisture-proof switches.

In the bathroom, switches will inevitably get wet. Water may splash onto them while showering or children may spray water on them while playing. To prevent electrocution and short-circuiting, install moisture-proof switches as part of your electrical wiring plan. Alternatively, you may use a waterproof covering for your switches. Also remember to position your switches and sockets strategically while wiring. Avoid locations too close to the shower or above the sink to minimize the danger.

Install exhaust fans.

Moist and humid conditions can progressively build up in your bathroom. Very hot showers that emit a lot of steam are a particularly notorious cause of excessive humidity. This suspended moisture could work its way into your electrical systems and cause widespread short-circuiting. Furthermore, damp conditions encourage growth of mould and mildew. To combat this, allow provision for exhaust fans in your bathroom wiring system. Exhaust fans remove the excess moisture out to the atmosphere and encourage better air circulation. You can structure your electrical system to allow the fan to be switched on together with the lights. It will therefore always be in use each time you use your bathroom.

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