 Did
you ever wonder how birds can perch on an electrical wire
and be unharmed? It is because electrical current is always
seeking a path to ground and even though the bird is gripping
tightly to the wire - no part of the bird is touching the
ground to complete the circuit with its' body.
Our bodies are mostly water (a great conductor for electricity)
so we have to exercise extreme caution near any electrical
devices. Because we walk and stand on the ground, there is
a great risk of electrical shock if we touch a live source
of electricity as the current tries to seek the ground through
our bodies.
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 non-GFCI-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.
Custom Electric offers Panel Labeling. Always replace a fuse
with the correctly specified size fuse. If your home is still
using fuses call Custom Electric for a FREE local estimate
to upgrade your wiring service. And for those hard to find
- older style breakers... We have numerous suppliers to help
us provide the circuit breakers you need for your existing
service.
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. All
outdoor electrical equipment should be run from a Ground Fault
Interrupt Circuit (see above) to prevent electrical shock.
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 (we sell and install
Automatic Home Standby Generators); 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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