In recent years, over 5,000 non-fatal electrical injuries have resulted in days away from work in the U.S.
The statistics don’t just represent non-trained professionals; the people most qualified to handle electrical systems are also the ones most exposed to their risks. Based on the latest data from the Electrical Safety Foundation International and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of electrical fatalities involve workers in electrical occupations, showing that even the most well-trained experts can get hurt on the job.
Experience doesn’t eliminate risk — but procedures can.
May is National Electric Safety Month, so there’s no better time to pause and reflect on electrical safety tips and what you can do on the job to work smarter and safer.
Electrical safety tip #1: Lockout, then tagout
Avoid energized work whenever possible. De-energizing circuits is one of the safest ways to work with electricity — but only if it stays that way.
That’s where lockout/tagout (LOTO) comes in.
LOTO procedures are created to prevent unexpected re-energization while work is being done. If you skip this step — or do it halfway — you put yourself and the whole jobsite at risk. According to OSHA, lockout/tagout compliance prevents about 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.
Tags should detail who locked the equipment and the reason why. This vital electrical safety tip helps prevent other people on the jobsite from mistakenly switching the power on while you work.
Not sure which lockout/tagout kit is right for your work? Your local electrical supplier can help you find it.
“We’re more than just a supplier for our customers,” said Phil McKinney, regional manager at City Electric Supply. “We ask questions, show you new products and solutions, and help you work safely in any environment.”
Electrical safety tip #2: Test before you touch
Even if you just locked out a circuit, it’s important to test. Lockout/tagout reduces risk, but testing eliminates uncertainty.
Verify absence of voltage using properly rated test equipment like a multimeter. Before you start work, do a “live-dead-live” test:
- Using a properly rated tester for the environment and voltage level, make sure your tester works on a known live source first
- Test the circuit in question to confirm absence of voltage
- Re-test your meter afterward on a live source to make sure it didn’t fail during use
Electrical injuries don’t just affect electricians; other on-site professionals encounter electrical systems every day. Leaving a circuit unverified can affect jobsite safety for anyone.
“Electrical knowledge, product knowledge, safety — we train our teams to know what PPE ratings are needed based on the voltages you come into contact with,” said McKinney.
Work with a trusted electrical supplier to get the right testing tools so you can go to work — and then go home.
Electrical safety tip #3: Always use the right tool for the job
The tools you use are just as important as the steps you take to work safely. That’s why you should always use tools made specifically for electrical work.
Insulated, non-conductive handles are one of the most popular features electricians look for. Even if you’re not working on a live circuit, tools made from non-conductive materials provide another layer of safety.
And that feature doesn’t just stop at your tools. Your work ladder should also be made of non-conductive material such as fiberglass.
McKinney tells electricians to keep quality in mind when it comes to insulated tools.
“Insulated tools can carry a higher price point, but trusted manufacturers put in the extra work and money to build safe, tested tools. Saving a few bucks simply is not worth risking your life,” said McKinney.
Regardless of the manufacturer you choose, always inspect your tools before use. Do the insulated handles have a tear in them? Do your extension cords have a missing ground prong? Replace them as often as needed to avoid a disaster waiting to happen.
And lastly, don’t forget the most important, must-have tool every electrician needs — PPE (personal protective equipment). Always verify arc flash boundaries and wear PPE rated for the available incident energy.
Electrical safety tip #4: Water and electricity don’t mix
One of the first rules of electrical safety is that water and electricity don’t get along. Water doesn’t just increase risk; it changes how electricity behaves on the job.
Moisture lowers resistance, allowing current to travel more easily through surfaces, tools, and bodies. Even low-voltage exposure can become much more dangerous in damp or wet conditions.
If you have to work in a damp environment, use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs detect stray currents and quickly trip to prevent shock or electrocution; if a short occurs, it might literally save your life.
But GFCIs aren’t the only layer of protection. You should also:
- Check cords and connections for damage or exposed conductors before use
- Keep connections off the ground and dry whenever possible
- Avoid standing water around electrical tools or equipment
- Wear properly rated PPE for electricians, including insulated gloves and footwear when needed
If you find water on electrical equipment, don’t assume it’s safe to handle. Always shut off the power at the circuit breaker before unplugging the waterlogged equipment.
Even when dried, water damage can make equipment a safety risk if not reconditioned or replaced.
And remember — standing water isn’t the only hazard. Condensation, humidity, and wet surfaces can pose the same risks.
Electrical safety tip #5: Be cautious around solar panels
Solar is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Even if you don’t work with solar, chances are you’ll encounter a PV (photovoltaic) system in a home or commercial setting.
Solar electrical risks are different from circuits because you can’t eliminate them by turning it “off.” PV systems create electricity when they’re exposed to light, so even when they’re disconnected from the building, they can still carry live voltage.
Here are a few solar safety tips to remember the next time you work near a PV system:
- PV panels still generate power even when “disconnected”
- Always treat the wiring coming from a solar panel with the same caution as a utility power line
- Never disconnect PV wiring when it’s under load
- Solar panels can still generate DC power with the AC side turned off
- Only qualified professionals should work on or near PV systems — but if you must work near a panel, you can cover it with an opaque sheet to reduce risk
With the rise of solar and battery storage systems, it’s important to be able to recognize the hazards presented — even if you’re not installing them.
Recap: Electrical safety checklist
- Lock out and tag out before starting work
- Verify absence of voltage before contact
- Use properly rated and inspected tools and PPE
- Use GFCI protection in damp environments
- Treat PV systems with the same caution you would a utility power line
How we can help
The right equipment supports safer work — but it starts with the right approach. From lockout/tagout kits and insulated tools to industry-leading PPE gear for electricians, City Electric Supply helps you get the job done safely. Visit a branch near you to find what you need, or order online and get it delivered right to you.
Last updated on May 5, 2026