Transcript Electrical Safety Month

Electrical Safety Month
May is electrical safety month and
is used to raise awareness of
electrical safety issues that could
cause harm to people and property.
These electrical safety practices
should be kept in mind wherever
you are, all year long.
SAFETY TIPS
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Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified
electrician.
Only plug one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater,
etc.) into a receptacle outlet at a time.
Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should
be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should
not be used.
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are a kind of circuit breaker that shuts off
electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your
home. Use a qualified electrician.
Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off
an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside
the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements. All outdoor receptacles
should be GFCI protected.
Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month to make sure they are working properly.
Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under
carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician
add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. There
should be a sticker on the lamp that indicates the maximum wattage light bulb to use.
Overhead Power Lines
We don't often think about power lines, but if you do any work outdoors staying a
safe distance away could save your life. Power lines are the single biggest cause of
electrocution, both on the job and at home.
• Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Never assume
that a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated.
• Never touch a fallen overhead power line. Call the electric utility company or
911 to report fallen electrical lines.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires during cleanup and other
activities. If working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before
starting work for the presence of overhead wires.
• If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside
the vehicle. Do not attempt to leave your vehicle. Warn people not to touch
the vehicle or the wire. Call or ask someone to call 911.
• Never let children climb utility poles, towers, pad mounted transformers or
trees near power lines.
• Ladders, regardless of what they're made of, can become electrified if brought
into contact with electric wires. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity.
Bear that in mind and use extra caution when you or your contractor are
installing siding or painting, cleaning gutters or have other reason to use a
ladder while working outside around your home.
Extension Cords
• Extension cords offer a convenient solution for
delivering power right where it’s needed on a
temporary basis.
• Proper selection and use of extension cords is critical
to avoiding injuries.
• An estimated 3,300 residential fires originate in
extension cords each year, killing and injuring more
than 300 people.
• Nearly 4,000 people are treated in hospital emergency
rooms each year for non-fire related extension cord
injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and electrical
burns.
Extension Cords
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For your protection, power cord labels are printed with handy product specs that
tell you the cord’s length, size (wire gauge), wattage, and proper usage
environment (indoors or outdoors).
When shopping for extension cords, only purchase those that bear the UL symbol.
The presence of the UL mark tells you that samples of that particular type of cord
have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories and received consumer safety
approval.
Don’t use extension cords with cut or damaged insulation… exposed conducting
wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock.
Do not cut, file, or otherwise alter an extension cord’s grounding pin or plug blades
to make it easier to plug into an outlet! If the extension cord plug doesn’t fit into
an older outlet, have an electrician replace the receptacle.
Extended exposure to outdoor conditions can cause cords to deteriorate, so
whether they’re rated for indoors or outdoors, store all extension cords inside
when they’re not in use.
To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords
when they’re not in use.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
(GFCI)
• GFCIs have saved thousands of lives over the last
three decades.
• Found mostly in areas where electrical products
might come in contact with water.
• A GFCI is a special type of electrical outlet
designed to cut off power before an electrical
shock can occur.
• GFCIs should be tested every month to ensure
they are in working order by using the test button
on the front of the GFCI.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you
have:
– Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping
circuit breakers
– A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical
appliance
– Discolored or warm wall outlets
– A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
– Flickering or dimming lights
– Sparks from an outlet