Dismantling Common Myths About Electricity | Electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC
One of the great American heroes, Benjamin Franklin, made prominent discoveries related to electricity in 1752 with a kite and a key in a thunderstorm. Since then, multiple centuries’ worth of research and study has long passed and it has become essential for all.
In today’s world of technological advancement, electricity surrounds us. Whether you live in Myrtle Beach, SC or an Oceanic island, we use electricity every day. In fact, most of us can’t function without it.
Even though this revolutionary form of energy dominates a large part of our daily lives, there are still some myths that perpetuate. While some of these myths are harmless, others can be deadly.
They are dangerous because they spread outdated or false information. Electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC will attest that this misinformation can lead to serious problems. In fact, the misunderstanding of these myths can end in injury.
Here we dismantle and debunk some of the most commonly believed myths about electricity.
Myth 1: Wood can be used to protect yourself against electricity.
Since wood is not essentially included in the list of conductors, many people assume that it provides good insulation. However, the reality is not exactly in alignment with this and believing in it can be very dangerous.
Now, wood may not be one of the best and most efficient conductors out there, but it is definitely not an insulator. In fact, electricity, especially at a high voltage can pass through wood and even electrocute you. Wood becomes an even better conductor when it’s wet for some reason.
This information is crucial for people’s safety as many use wood around electricity. For example, people often use wooden beams or sticks to get things off power lines that get stuck on there. This can be dangerous.
If there is something of value stuck on a power line, call electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC to get it off. This is essential for keeping you safe. Electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC have the right equipment and skills to do the job safely.
Myth 2: Rubber gloves and shoe soles can protect you against electricity.
After wood, many people believe rubber to be 100% effective for protection against electricity. Even though this is a myth, it is somewhat partially true.
Rubber is mostly an effective insulator. In fact, many electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC will tell you it is one of the best. However, this is true when the rubber in question is 100% pure rubber.
Many people assume that household products like rubber gloves are good insulators against electricity. But many household rubber gloves are not purely made of rubber. In order to increase their elasticity and longevity, manufacturers dilute the rubber with other constituents.
These additives can act like impurities and can conduct electricity. Since most people don’t know this, they equate regular gloves with gloves electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC wear while working.
This means that just because you have rubber gloves, you can go about fixing electrical issues.
Similarly, rubber soles are not sufficient to protect you from electricity. Like these rubber gloves, rubber soles can provide a slight bit of protection. Compared to rubber gloves, they provide better insulation as the rubber is purer.
However, most rubber soles are far too flimsy and thin to be effective. Even though you can be protected from getting seriously electrocuted, it is still not protection enough to be 100% safe.
Myth 3: Live wires are supposed to spark when they fall down.
TV shows, movies, and even some cartoons will have you believe that live wires spark when they fall down. The bright sparks coming off the wires falling to the ground is often dramatized to make it look scary.
Many people tend to fall for this exaggeration and are under that impression that live wires always spark when they hit the ground. The reality is that live wires only spark when they don’t come in solid contact with the ground or another surface.
Electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC advise that just because a wire doesn’t spark, it’s not active and dangerous. If you see a fallen wire on the ground, stay away from it. You never know how dangerous it can be. Call electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC immediately and let them handle the situation.
Myth 4: All power lines are insulated.
While driving down the highway, you must come across many overhead power lines. On these power lines, you might have seen a flock of birds perched comfortably. Seeing this, most people assume that power lines are protected and completely harmless.
However, the reason these birds don’t get electrocuted is that they don’t touch the ground. This way, there is no charge imbalance and flow of electrons.
If they were completely safe, electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC won’t need to gear up before repairing a power line. Live wires are almost always live and can have currents ranging from 100 to 700,000 volts running through.
This is why it is of utmost importance to call electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC if you see a power line in need of repairs.
Myth 5: Low voltage shocks are fine.
There are some people who think themselves MacGyver and like to experiment with DIY instead of calling electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC if the problem is small. If the appliance they are working with is of low voltage, they think any shock won’t harm them.
The fact is that it is the actual current of electricity measured in amperes that makes it harmful or harmless. If the conditions are right, even a 12V battery can be harmful.
Mister Sparky Myrtle Beach, SC – The Electricity Experts
Instead of believing in false information, it is always safer to consult expert electricians in Myrtle Beach, SC. Mister Sparky boasts a long-standing reputation as a qualified electricity contractor.
They have an expert team that provides professional services. They will make sure that you don’t get hurt and your electricity problems are addressed effectively and with caution. You can contact them here or give them a call at 843-213-6610 and get a free estimate.