The Importance of Electrical Cover Plates
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Prevent Electrical Hazards by Covering Switches and Outlets – One great safety measure is to simply replace an switch or outlet cover to avoid the exposure of electrical wiring and to keep fingers from coming into contact with energized parts. |
Reducing the Risk of Exposure to Electricity
[ad#block]Electrical Safety Question: There is no switch plate over the light switch in bathroom and screws are removed from actual switch. Last night I tried to turn the switch on and it sparked and power in bathroom, the hallway, and half of bedroom went out. My husband attempted to flip the switch back over in circuit box, but it remained in the middle position, he then proceeded to switch off EVERY Switch within the Circuit box, and apparently he forced over the THROWN switch, he heard a hum and or buzz sound.
Now we have no power within the house, EXCEPT for, Central Heating and Cooling, Stove, Washer and dryer all 240 volt.
What is the issue? How do rectify?
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Safety Question MEL.
Background: MEL, a Homeowner from Spartanburg, SC
Prevent Electrical Hazards by Covering Switches and Outlets
I believe you have described the problem in your question, as follows:
- There is No Switch Plate over the light switch.
- The Screws are removed from the actual Switch.
- My guess is that the switch screw terminals shorted against the metal switch box causing the circuit to short out and prevent the circuit breaker from being turned back on.
- The solution would be to replace the switch cover AFTER an electrician can clear the existing problem and make the electrical repair.
- One great safety measure is to simply replace an switch or outlet cover to avoid the exposure of electrical wiring and to keep fingers from coming into contact with energized parts.
- Non-metal outlet and switch covers are among the safest because they help insulate you from energized wiring and devices, especially in areas where there is a high probability of exposure to grounded sources, such as the bathroom and kitchen where water and sinks are found.
The Following will assist you with your Electrical Safety Question:
Home Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Articles covering several topics of home electrical safety and Do-It-Yourself Electrical Safety.
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A new approach to keep kids and electricity apart with hopes to prevent children from being injured by electricity.
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
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I have recently removed switch cover plates to remove wallpaper and in my kitchen. Do I need to clean around wiring before replacing the covers after we have textured and painted the room? If so, how do I need to do this? I do realize I need to cut off the power first.
Hi Sandi,
Generally a little paint or sheet rock texture is not going to hurt the electrical wiring. However it helps to either cover the opening with masking tape or insert some wadded up newspaper to keep the sheet rock texture out of the box. If the room will be totally re-textured and painted then you may consider turning off the circuit and removing the switches and outlets and filling the electrical boxes with the wadded up newspaper to cover the wiring. This way a wide sheet rock trowel can create a smooth flat surface where the cover plates will be installed, which will allow the cover plates to fit nicely against the wall. Allow the sheet rock compound to dry then gently break away any excess compound. Remove the newspaper after painting then reinstall the switches, outlets and cover plates.
I hope this helps!
Dave