How to Avoid Electric Shock from a Pressure Washer

Safety Guide for using Electric Pressure Washers: Safety Measures When Using an Electric Pressure Washer or a Electric Power Washer.

Safety Guide When Using an Electric Pressure Washer
[ad#block] Electrical Question: If I plug the GFCI plug of my electric pressure washer into a GFCI outlet will that give me an extra measure of protection?

• Ground Fault Circuit Protection, GFCI
  When having two sources of GFCI, if one GFCI should fail will I have added protection from the 2nd one?
• Electric Pressure Washer
  I’m terrified of electric pressure washers. I always end up with soaked sneakers, am standing on a wet deck or patio and there is water and electricity going into a gadget which I have to trust is not faulty.
• Electrical Parts, Shock Hazards and Water
  The unit has a new “water cooled motor” It seems there’s water in even closer proximity to electricity than before.

I know there are no guarantees, I’m  just looking for a bit of reassurance. I don’t want to use gas washer because they are too noisy, inconvenient and I don’t like dealing with gasoline.

Thanks, Richard.

This electrical wiring question came from Richard, in Seattle, Washington.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Richard .

Application: Wiring an Outdoor GFI Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of exterior outlets that will be installed.
Precaution: Identify the power source circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Outdoor receptacle outlets must have GFCI protection. Installing wiring for an outdoor outlet should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Safety Measures When Using an Electric Pressure Washer or Electric Power Washer

• GFCI Protection
  Make sure the unit is protected by a GFCI device. Two levels of GFCI protection really does not help – in fact sometimes it will cause nuisance tripping – so be aware of that.
• Grounded Receptacle Outlet
  Be very sure that the outlet being plugged into is in fact grounded, and TEST the GFCI of the equipment before using.
• UL Approved Equipment
  The GFCI protection for the pressure washer should be adequate, especially if it has an authentic UL approved label.
• Frayed or Damaged Electrical Cords
  If the equipment has any frayed or damaged electric cords or the unit is not in top shape then I would not take a chance.
• Areas of High Risk Electric Shock
  Higher level risks of electric shock hazards are in livestock areas or gardening areas, or any area where there are higher levels of conductive elements, such as fertilizers and chemicals.
• Insulated Boots and Personal Protection
  Wearing insulated rubber boots and gloves are always highly recommended as well
• Follow Instructions and Warnings
  Last but certinly not least  is to read an follow all of the guidelines found in the owners manual or users manual.

More about Wiring GFCI Outlets

Electrical Outlet Wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

How to Wire Outlets

GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams

The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.

GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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