The Hidden Danger in Your Shower
Imagine starting your day with a refreshing shower, only to be met with a dangerous electric shock. This is not a scene from a horror movie, but a real risk if your electric water heater isn’t properly earthed or grounded. In Bali, where humidity and moisture are part of everyday life, this risk is even more pronounced. Faulty electric water heaters can cause serious shocks, sometimes with fatal consequences. This article will explore why earthing is so critical and how you can ensure your home is safe.
How Electric Water Heaters Can Become Dangerous
Electric water heaters typically consist of a steel tank, often lined with enamel, and an electric heating element inside. This element is made of a copper tube with a copper wire running through it, insulated to keep the electricity contained. Over time, the copper tube can corrode, potentially allowing water to seep in and come into contact with the live wire.
Water conducts electricity, turning the tank, the water, and any connected metal fixtures (like your showerhead) into a potential source of electric shock. The water becomes “live” and if there’s a continuous stream of water onto a person, the body can receive an electric shock as the current flows to earth. This is particularly dangerous in showers where you are wet and in direct contact with water and metal fittings.
The Lifesaving Role of Earthing
Earthing, also known as grounding, is a vital safety measure for any building, especially in wet areas like bathrooms. A correctly installed system creates a connection between the water heater tank and the earth. If the water or tank becomes live, the electricity flows straight to earth, instead of through you. This current should trigger a circuit breaker, cutting off power and preventing a dangerous shock. It’s not the voltage of electricity that’s dangerous, but the current flowing through the body.
Why Circuit Breakers May Fail
A circuit breaker is designed to switch off when it detects excessive current flow. However, there are several reasons why they might fail:
- Incorrect Earthing: The system might not be correctly earthed, preventing the current from flowing to earth. This is a very common problem.
- Oversized Circuit Breakers: If the circuit breaker is too large, it won’t trip when a fault occurs.
- Faulty Installation: Incorrect wiring can render a circuit breaker ineffective.
- Defective Breakers: The circuit breaker itself may be faulty.
Protecting Your Home: What You Need to Do
To ensure your family’s safety, it is vital to have an electrical system that is properly installed and earthed. Here are some steps to take:
- Professional Inspection: Do not attempt to test or modify your electrical system yourself. Instead, hire a qualified and licensed electrician to inspect and test your system.
- Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers: Install earth leakage circuit breakers (also known as residual current devices). Ideally, each power circuit should have its own breaker to maximize protection.
- Regular Testing: Test your electrical system periodically to verify that the circuit breakers are functioning correctly. A simple test is to connect the live wire to earth and see if the circuit breaker trips. If the main circuit breaker trips before the individual circuit breakers, it indicates a problem.
- Prioritize Safety: Be aware that even in expensive homes, the standard of electrical installation is often poor. Don’t take minor shocks for granted as they are a sign that your circuits may not protect you during a major problem.
Protecting Your Home in Bali
Living in Bali requires extra awareness of electrical safety due to the climate. Make sure your electric water heaters are installed correctly and that your electrical systems are fully earthed. Remember, a small amount of electrical current can be lethal. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, you can protect your loved ones from potential harm.
