Extension Activity on “Safety Aspects in Household Electrical Appliances

Date: 22-11-2024

Organizing Unit/Agency: Department of Electrical Engineering, UIET, SBBSU

Venue: Govt. High School, Ghurial, Distt. Jalandhar

Number of students participated in such activities: 5

Event Report

1. Objectives

To create awareness about the safe use of household electrical appliances.
To educate participants about common electrical hazards, including electric shocks, short circuits, and electrical fires.
To explain the importance of proper earthing, correct wiring, and the use of appropriate fuses and circuit breakers.
To promote energy-efficient practices and the safe handling of electrical appliances.
To encourage preventive measures to reduce electrical accidents in homes.

2. Summary of the Report

The Department of Electrical Engineering, UIET, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, organized an extension activity on “Safety Aspects in Household Electrical Appliances” to create awareness about electrical safety among participants. The activity focused on the safe operation, handling, and maintenance of commonly used household appliances, such as electric irons, heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, fans, and electric kettles.

During the programme, participants were informed about the risks associated with damaged wires, overloaded sockets, loose electrical connections, wet hands while operating appliances, and improper earthing. The importance of switching off appliances when not in use, avoiding contact with exposed conductors, and using properly rated plugs, sockets, fuses, and circuit breakers was also explained.

Special emphasis was placed on preventing electrical fires, avoiding unsafe extension-board connections, and ensuring that electrical repairs are carried out by qualified electricians. Participants were also made aware of the importance of disconnecting the power supply before cleaning appliances and never attempting to handle electrical equipment with wet hands.

The activity encouraged participants to adopt safe electrical practices in their homes and to share the information with their family members and community. The programme contributed to promoting electrical safety, responsible electricity consumption, and awareness of accident-prevention measures.

3. Key Safety Measures Discussed

Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.
Avoid overloading electrical sockets and extension boards.
Replace damaged plugs, wires, and sockets immediately.
Ensure proper earthing of metal-bodied electrical appliances.
Switch off and unplug appliances before cleaning or maintenance.
Use correctly rated fuses, MCBs, and suitable protective devices.
Keep electrical appliances away from water and damp areas.
Do not attempt electrical repairs without proper training.
Disconnect the power supply before assisting a person experiencing an electric shock; do not touch the person while they remain in contact with a live source.
In case of an electrical fire, never use water. Isolate the electricity supply if safe to do so and contact emergency services.

4. Outcomes of the Activity

Improved awareness of electrical hazards associated with household appliances.
Better understanding of preventive measures against electric shocks and electrical fires.
Increased knowledge of proper earthing, electrical protection, and safe appliance handling.
Promotion of responsible electricity usage and electrical safety practices.
Encouragement to disseminate electrical safety awareness among family members and the local community.

5. Conclusion

The extension activity on “Safety Aspects in Household Electrical Appliances” was an informative initiative by the Department of Electrical Engineering, UIET, SBBSU, to promote awareness of electrical safety in everyday life. The programme highlighted the importance of safe appliance operation, proper electrical installations, preventive maintenance, and responsible electricity consumption. Such activities play an important role in reducing electrical accidents and developing a culture of safety within homes and the community.

Dr. Gurmanik Kaur

Associate Professor

Department of Electrical Engineering

University Institute of Engineering & Technology (UIET)

Sant Baba Bhag Singh University (SBBSU)

Khiala, Jalandhar, Punjab.