Tips
The Electrical Safety Foundation, International
provides these guidelines to insure your home and business is safe.
Home Electrical Safety Tips
Here are some checks you can make in your home today to ensure electrical
safety:
Outlets
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to
fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety
covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Cords
Make sure cords are in good condition—not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are
placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the
wall, baseboard or to another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs
or rest any furniture on them.
Extension Cords
Check to see that cords are not overloaded. Additionally, extension cords should
only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household
wiring. Make sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young
children from shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.
Plugs
Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third
prong) to make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an
electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs
should fit securely into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many
appliances.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where
water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage
in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then
interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical
shock. Test GFCIs according to the manufacturer's instructions monthly and after
major electrical storms to make sure they are working properly. Replace all
GFCIs that are not working properly, but never replace a GFCI with a standard
non-GFCI outlet or circuit breaker. Do not use an appliance or device that trips
a GFCI on a nonGFCI-protected circuit; instead, take the appliance to authorized
repair center to be checked for faulty wiring or replace it.
Light Bulbs
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the
correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher
wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the
manufacturer of the fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose
bulbs may overheat.
Circuit Breakers/Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their
circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and
label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the correctly specified
size fuse.
Water and Electricity Don't Mix
Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might fall in contact with water.
If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out—even
if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then
unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it
until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.
Appliances
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or if it has
given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
Entertainment/Computer Equipment
Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look
for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors. Use a surge protector
bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency.
Outdoor Safety
Electric-powered mowers and other electric tools should not be used in the rain,
on wet grass or in wet conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers
before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken
housings. If any part is damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair it or
replace it. Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for
the power needs of your tools. Remember to unplug all portable power tools when
not in use. When using ladders, watch out for overhead wires and power lines.
Ladders
When using ladders, avoid contact with overhead wires and power lines. Stay at
least 10 feet from all lines.
Lightning
During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e., hairdryers, toasters
and radios) or telephones (except in an emergency); do not take a bath or
shower; keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power
outage; and use surge protectors on electronic devices, appliances, phones, fax
machines and modems.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least
3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies,
furniture and rugs. Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised and
remember to turn off and unplug when not in use. Do not use space heaters with
extension cords; plug directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened
circuit.
Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard
incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in
contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn
the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and
never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Consider using
cooler fluorescent floor lamps.
Wiring
Unless you are qualified and experienced in electrical work, consider hiring a
licensed electrician for electrical repairs, maintenance and installations. If
you elect to perform such work, make sure you follow these safety basics:
Never work on or around “hot” lines. Always de-energize lines and equipment by
disconnecting from the power source at the circuit breakers or fuses. Don't
forget to test every conductor before you make contact with it.
Never use the ground wire as the neutral or circuit-carrying conductor. The
ground wire is not designed to carry current continuously, but briefly under an
abnormal condition. The neutral wire is designed as a current carrier and can
carry as much current as the hot wire. Use a strip gauge on devices to strip the
proper length of insulation from wires. Too little risks the screw tightening on
plastic insulation; too much leaves bare wires that can cause a dangerous
contact. When using wire connectors, be sure the insulation on the wires is
completely covered by the wire connector.
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