4 Tips to Ensure Electrical Safety When Rewiring a Vehicle During Your Auto Mechanic Career

A vehicle’s wiring system is responsible for keeping all of a vehicle’s electrical components in check, and without it, a vehicle wouldn’t be able to obtain power. A vehicle’s electrical system includes the battery, starter, and alternator, delivering power to the lighting system, radio, security system, and more. Once in a while, a vehicle’s electrical system may need to be rewired in order to ensure that all connections are secured, any damaged or faulty wires are replaced, and that dirt and debris is cleaned. If you’re seeking a career as an automotive mechanic, knowing how to safely rewire a vehicle’s electrical system will help you to avoid accidents on the job. Below, discover some tips for staying safe while rewiring.

1. During Your Auto Mechanic Career, Wear Protective Clothing and Gear When Rewiring

Before starting any rewiring job during your auto mechanic career, it’s important to wear the right protective clothing in order to prevent unnecessary accidents. First, insulated gloves should be worn in order to protect your hands from any shocks or burns. A protective uniform (with long sleeves) should also be worn over the body in order to prevent harm related to flying objects or extreme temperatures. Lastly, you’ll want to wear safety goggles at all times, as these will keep your eyes safe from potential injury.

2. Prepare the Vehicle for Rewiring

Instead of launching directly into the rewiring process, it’s important to take a few preliminary measures in order to prepare the vehicle. Before beginning, you’ll want to power off the vehicle. Make sure that any external devices are disconnected from the vehicle, and be sure to remove the battery cables from their terminals. Next, remove any other wires which are connected to the battery terminals. These cables and wires should be safely set aside in an area where they aren’t in danger of being exposed to metal parts or making contact with each other. After these steps are taken, the vehicle is ready to be rewired.

3. Use Only Insulated Tools

When rewiring a vehicle after automotive college, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to use tools that aren’t insulated. Insulated tools are the only tools which should be used when working on a vehicle’s electrical components, as they work to prevent electrical shock. In the case that you make the mistake of touching an energized source during the rewiring process, insulated tools offer reliable protection from shock risk.

4. Maintain a Clean Work Environment

Maintaining a clean work environment is an important safety practice when performing any service within an automotive shop, but it’s especially necessary when rewiring electrical systems. The wires and cables handled during the rewiring process should be stored neatly in a location free of conductive metal, and tools should be set aside neatly in order to remain easily accessible in case of emergency. Keeping all of the above tips in mind will help to keep you safe during the rewiring process.
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