Debunking 10 Common Myths About Electricity

Electricity and lighting are like magic to me, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. One flick of a switch or press of a button and that’s that! With such a veiled understanding of a common thing, there are bound to be myths that arise. Here’s a fun and enlightening journey through ten common misconceptions about electricity and lighting that might surprise you. Buckle up as we zap these myths with some serious facts!

1. A Household Electrical Current Is Too Weak to Kill

Explanation: It’s a common misconception that the electricity used in your home is too weak to be fatal. People often think that because household electrical systems operate at relatively low voltages compared to high-voltage power lines, they’re not dangerous enough to cause serious harm.

Debunking: This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. While the electricity that runs through your house isn’t as much that goes through say, a power line or a transformer, that doesn’t mean that it’s a safe amount. In fact, no amount of electricity is safe to contact. Household currents can cause major electric shocks, fires, and even death. Even a seemingly mild electric shock can be lethal if the current flows through vital organs like the heart. In fact, most fatal electrical injuries occur due to currents as low as 10 milliamps (0.01 amps).

2. Myth: Electricity Flows Faster Than the Speed of Light.

Explanation: Ever hear someone say that electricity travels faster than light? It sounds like something out of a sci-fi film, but it’s a common misconception. You might think that electricity zips through your wires at light speed, powering up your devices in a flash, since that’s sort of what it looks like when you flick on a switch.

Debunking: Actually, electricity moves at a pretty pedestrian pace—far slower than light. The electrical signal through the wires travels at nearly the speed of light, but the actual flow of electrons is much slower. So, while your light might turn on almost instantly, it’s not because electricity is racing around at breakneck speeds. It’s just really well-organized.

3. Myth: You Can Use a Hair Dryer in a Wet Environment if It’s Not Corded/Unplugged.

Explanation: I used to see this one a lot on MySpace (yes, I’m old). someone claiming you can use an unplugged, cordless hair dryer in the shower with no danger. The idea is that without electricity running through it, it’s harmless, right?

Debunking: Unplugged, cordless, or otherwise, bringing any electrical device into a wet environment like a shower is a terrible idea. Even if your hair dryer is unplugged, it could still have residual charge, and moisture can cause unseen issues. Plus, the risk of dropping it and the potential for electrical faults or damage makes it an altogether bad idea. Safety first!

4. Myth: More Appliances on One Circuit Will Blow the Fuse.

Explanation: You might think that adding another appliance to a circuit will definitely blow the fuse, especially if it’s already a bit overloaded. It’s a common belief that more is always worse in this scenario.

Debunking: This is not necessarily true. Modern circuits are designed to handle a certain amount of load before tripping a breaker. The problem is when you exceed the circuit's capacity. If you’re overloading a circuit, it’s more likely to trip a breaker to prevent overheating and potential fires. If you’re unsure about the load on your circuit, it’s always a good idea to check with an electrician to avoid overloading.

5. Myth: The Light Bulb Will Die Quicker If You Keep Switching It On and Off.

Explanation: Some folks believe that turning your light on and off frequently shortens its lifespan. They think that the process of switching it on and off is too hard on the bulb.

Debunking: In reality, modern light bulbs, especially LEDs, are designed to handle frequent switching. The real threat to a bulb’s lifespan is how long it’s left on. For incandescent bulbs, frequent switching can cause more wear on the filament, but LEDs and CFLs are much less affected by on-off cycling. So go ahead, flick that switch without worry!

6. Myth: Grow Lights Always Give Off Pink/Purple Light.

Explanation: If you’ve ever seen a grow light, you might assume they all bathe your plants in a pink or purple glow. It’s an image that sticks, and it’s easy to think that this is the universal standard for all grow lights.

Debunking: Not all grow lights are created equal. While some grow lights use a mix of red and blue LEDs that can create that distinctive pink or purple light, there are many types that offer full-spectrum lighting, mimicking natural sunlight. For example, Sunco’s grow lights have a more pale pink/white glow but still provide full-spectrum light. These lights look much like regular white light. So, if you're setting up a grow room, you have options beyond the vibrant pink that you might have seen.

7. Myth: A Lightning Victim Is Electrified. If You Touch Them, You’ll Be Electrocuted.

Explanation: There’s a chilling myth that if someone’s been struck by lightning, their body is electrically charged. People think touching them could transfer the charge and shock anyone who tries to help.

Debunking: Rest assured, this is not the case. Lightning doesn’t leave a person electrically charged. The electricity from a lightning strike travels through the body and disperses into the ground. The real danger is the potential for severe injuries or burns from the strike. If you encounter someone struck by lightning, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately but you can touch them safely to provide help.

8. Myth: You Can Use Electrical Tape to Fix Any Wiring Problem.

Explanation: Electrical tape is a handy tool, so it’s tempting to think that it can solve any wiring issue. Some believe that just slapping a bit of tape over a frayed wire will do the trick.

Debunking: While electrical tape can offer a temporary fix or provide insulation, it’s not a permanent solution for damaged wiring. For safety and reliability, it's crucial to repair or replace faulty wiring properly. Electrical tape should be used as a stopgap measure, and the real fix should involve a proper repair or replacement of the damaged wires.

9. Myth: Overhead Fans Cool Down a Room.

Explanation: It’s easy to think that running an overhead fan can cool down your room, much like turning on the air conditioner. After all, fans move air around, so they must cool things down, right?

Debunking: Fans don’t actually lower the temperature of a room; they just circulate air to make you feel cooler. They work by speeding up the evaporation of sweat from your skin, which cools you down, but the room temperature stays the same. If you leave a fan running in an empty room, it’s just wasting energy. Fans are great for comfort when you’re in the room but don’t rely on them to change the actual temperature.

10. Myth: Electrical Outlets Aren’t Dangerous If They’re Not in Use.

Explanation: You might assume that if an outlet isn’t being used, it’s harmless. After all, no device is plugged in, so how could it pose a danger?

Debunking: Outlets can still be dangerous even if they’re not in use. Exposed wiring, loose outlets, or faulty connections can all present risks. In homes with small children, unsecured or damaged outlets can be especially dangerous. It’s a good practice to have any electrical issues inspected and repaired promptly to ensure your home remains safe.

There you have it—ten myths about electricity and lighting debunked! The world of electricity is full of misconceptions, but with a little knowledge, you can avoid common pitfalls and stay safe. So next time someone drops one of these myths, you’ll be ready with the facts to set things straight!