---
title: "Short note: Electrical safety rules"
subject: "Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_1/basic_electrical_and_electronics_engineering:short-note-electrical-safety-rules"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/basic_electrical_and_electronics_engineering/short-note-electrical-safety-rules
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Electrical safety rules

Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering · Chapter 4: Electrical Installations

- Asked in: 2081 Kartik (new course), 3 marks; 2081 Chaitra (new course), 3 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Electrical Safety Basic Training for Non-Electricians | Schneider Electric](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggJo6m8NZtA) — Schneider Electric
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/basic_electrical_and_electronics_engineering/short-note-electrical-safety-rules
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_1/basic_electrical_and_electronics_engineering/chapter-4

## Question

Write a short note on Electrical Safety Rules.

## Short answer

Key safety rules: treat all wires as live until proven dead; isolate and lock out supply before work; use insulated tools, dry conditions, proper earthing, and correct-rated fuses/MCBs; never bypass protection; avoid water near electricity; know first aid and CPR.

## Answer

Electrical safety rules protect people and property from electric shock, burns, fire and equipment damage.

**General rules:**
1. Treat every wire as live until it is tested and proved dead.
2. Switch off and isolate the supply (and lock out the switch) before working on any equipment.
3. Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing on a wet floor; use insulating mats and rubber-soled shoes.
4. Use properly insulated tools, gloves and switches of the correct rating; keep the work area dry.
5. Properly earth all metallic frames of appliances and equipment. Use three-pin plugs.
6. Install fuses, MCBs and ELCBs/RCCBs of the correct ratings; never bypass a fuse or replace it with a wire of higher rating.
7. Do not overload sockets or use damaged, joined or loose cables; replace worn insulation.
8. Do not work alone on live equipment; keep a trained person nearby who knows first aid and where the main switch is.
9. Never use water on an electrical fire; switch off the supply first and use CO2 or dry powder extinguishers.
10. Display warning signs (danger, high voltage), keep children away from sockets and use shuttered sockets.
11. In case of shock, switch off the supply first, or push the person away with a dry insulating object (wood, rubber), then give first aid/CPR and call for help.
12. Follow the Nepal Electricity Authority rules and standard wiring regulations.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What should be done before working on electrical equipment?
   A. Assume the wire is dead if the switch looks off
   B. Work quickly with wet hands to avoid delay
   C. Treat the wire as live and test only after finishing
   D. Switch off and isolate the supply, lock out the switch, and prove the wire dead
   Answer: D. Every wire is treated as live until tested and proved dead, and the supply is isolated and locked out first. (Key point: Working on equipment)

2. What is the correct response to an electrical fire?
   A. Switch off the supply and use CO2 or dry powder, never water
   B. Pour water immediately
   C. Leave the supply on and use water
   D. Use a foam hose on live wires
   Answer: A. Water conducts electricity; use CO2 or dry powder extinguishers after switching off the supply. (Key point: Electrical fire)

3. How should a person being shocked be helped?
   A. Pull them away by hand at once
   B. Switch off the supply first, or push them away with a dry insulating object, then give first aid
   C. Pour water on them
   D. Wait for the current to stop by itself
   Answer: B. Touching the victim could shock the rescuer, so cut the supply or use dry wood or rubber, then give first aid/CPR. (Key point: Rescuing from shock)

## Related in other subjects

- [Basic electrical safety rules and regulations](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fhigh_voltage_engineering%3Aelectrical-safety-rules) — High Voltage Engineering, chapter 2
- [General safety rules in a machine workshop](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fworkshop_technology%3Aworkshop-safety-rules) — Workshop Technology, chapter 1
- [General electrical rules for installation and wiring](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Findustrial_power_distribution_and_illumination%3Aelectrical-rules-installation) — Industrial Power Distribution and Illumination, chapter 1, asked 3×
- [Complying with electrical rules and standards](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Findustrial_power_distribution_and_illumination%3Aimportance-rules-standards-compliance) — Industrial Power Distribution and Illumination, chapter 1