3. Water and electricity
Why moisture can turn small mistakes into life-threatening situations.
Why water is so dangerous
Pure water conducts electricity only weakly. Everyday water contains salts and other substances, so it can conduct electricity. Wet skin also usually has a lower resistance than dry skin.
Water increases the contact area and can create a dangerous current path through the body.
⭐ Knowledge question
Why does moisture increase electrical danger?
Bathing during a thunderstorm
You should not bathe or shower during a thunderstorm. Lightning can introduce dangerous voltages into a building through cables, metal parts, or pipework. Civil protection authorities explicitly warn against this.
Leave the bathroom, keep away from conductive parts, and wait until the thunderstorm has passed.
⭐ Knowledge question
What is the safe choice during a thunderstorm?
Hair dryer in the bathtub
A hair dryer in a bathtub can be fatal.
Mains current can flow through the water and the body. The consequences can include muscle spasms, respiratory arrest, heart rhythm disturbances, burns, and death. An RCD can help, but it cannot guarantee rescue.
What should you do if a device falls into water?
Do not reach into the water. Switch off the electricity at a safe switch outside the danger area and call 112. Attempt a rescue only when there is no longer an electrical danger.
⭐ Knowledge question
A hair dryer falls into a filled bathtub. What should happen first?
Devices and sockets in the bathroom
Safety zones
Bathrooms have special installation zones. Electrical planning rules determine which devices and sockets are permitted in each area.
Distance
Do not place mains-powered devices on the edge of a bathtub, washbasin, or damp surface.
Dry hands
Do not operate plugs or switches with wet hands.
Damaged devices
Report damaged cables, loose sockets, or unusual smells to an adult immediately and do not use the device.
⭐ Knowledge question
Where should a mains-powered hair dryer be while someone is bathing?
Garden hose, pond, and pool
Garden hose
Never spray sockets, cable reels, lights, or electrical devices.
Pool and pond
Do not use ordinary extension cables or mains-powered devices directly beside water. Pumps and lighting must be approved for the location and professionally protected.
Work safely
Before maintenance, switch off pumps according to the instructions, secure them against being switched on again, and ask a professional if in doubt.
Outdoors
Use only suitable outdoor sockets, cables, and devices. Do not touch damp or damaged connectors.
⭐ Knowledge question
May you spray a cable reel with a garden hose?