Electrical Safety Guide
Whether you are just learning about electrical safety or you have already been in an electrical fire, there are a few basic steps you should take to prevent a fire. These steps include:
Electrical equipment Dry from water
Keeping electrical equipment dry and away from water is a wise move if you are looking to avoid property damage and personal injury. While it is not easy to do, following some simple precautions can go a long way towards keeping your home and family safe.
The most obvious way to keep your electrical equipment dry is to never touch the appliance with wet hands. The reason is that the device can get very hot, and may even overheat. If you plan to handle the device yourself, make sure you wear non-conductive gloves, insulated-soled shoes, and a dry chemical fire extinguisher. If you are handling the appliance, it is also a good idea to unplug it when not in use, and let it dry off.
Another reason to keep electrical equipment dry and away from water is that water is an excellent conductor of electricity. It can easily carry the electricity through metal, trees, and even people.You should also keep electrical cords away from wet surfaces, such as counters and sinks. You should also avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects, as this can stretch the cord and overheat it. It is also a good idea to store cords away from children and pets.
Another electrical safety tip is to use the appropriate safety outlet covers. These will keep children from sticking objects into the outlet. Using the proper outlet covers can also help prevent the ominous power cord from getting wet.
While it may be tempting to take shortcuts and handle electrical equipment in the rain or snow, it is important to keep these safety measures in mind. Not only will they prevent damage to your property, but they will also protect you from burns or other injuries. These safety measures can also protect your family from a home fire. If you have questions about electrical safety, be sure to ask a trusted neighbor or professional. Keeping electrical equipment dry and away from water can also help prevent condensation issues in cold rooms.
There are plenty of other electrical safety measures you can take to keep your home safe. If you need a little help, be sure to call a local electrician or call Duke Energy at 1-800-248-9653.
Unplug unused appliances
Whether you are looking to save money, reduce your energy usage, or protect yourself from a shock, unplugging unused appliances can help. In fact, many fire departments encourage homeowners to do so in order to prevent electrical related accidents. While this may sound counterintuitive, the benefits of doing so are numerous.
First, the energy that you save when unplugging your unused appliances will likely be greater than the energy you consume when they are plugged in. This is called idle current, or shadow loads. Also, you will avoid potential issues with your electrical wiring.
Another reason to unplug unused appliances is that they could cause a fire. Especially if they are plugged into water. If you do not know what to do when your plugged-in appliance is in water, call a qualified electrician.
It is also a good idea to unplug unused appliances when they are being cleaned. This will prevent them from overheating and potentially causing a fire. Also, unplugging unused appliances can save you a lot of annoyance.
Another tip is to keep your cords out of traffic areas. They should be stored out of the way of children, pets, and any other objects that might obstruct their path. Also, make sure the cords are in good condition. If they are damaged or loose, you should have them replaced.
In addition to unplugging unused appliances, you should also change your light bulbs from time to time. This may seem like a small task, but it is important to ensure that you use bulbs with the proper wattage. Using bulbs with a lower wattage could cause them to overheat.
Finally, it is a good idea to install safety covers on your unused outlets. This will help prevent children from accidentally snagging the cords and causing a fire. While you are at it, replace any missing wall plates as well.
Unplugging unused appliances may seem like an unnecessary step, but it can be an effective way to protect your home and your wallet from unnecessary energy expenses. In fact, most fire departments even recommend it as a first best practice.
Label electrical panel parts
Having a properly labeled electrical panel can help ensure the safety of workers and visitors. It can also help contractors and new owners find the right circuit breaker for their needs. Electrical panels are dangerous, and a lack of knowledge can cause injury or death. By knowing how to use a circuit breaker and how to locate a fuse box, you can be more prepared for an emergency.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) monitors and recommends regulations for electrical panel labeling. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also monitors and enforces electrical panel labeling regulations. Many of these regulations are drawn from ANSI standards. OSHA has issued citations for electrical labeling violations. However, the best way to remain compliant is to compare local practices with relevant regulations.
NFPA 77 and NFPA 79 outline the requirements of electrical panel labeling. They also outline additional resources. They include the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NEC 210.5(C) (3) defines the color-coding of conductors and low voltage wires. High voltage wires should also be color-coded.
NFPA 70 and NFPA 77 also cover electrical hazard management and design. These standards include inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems. NFPA 77 also covers other aspects of electrical panel labeling.
Whether you are preparing a new electrical panel or replacing an existing one, you need to label it. This will ensure that you are able to install new electric devices safely. You also need to know which electrical outlets are connected to a particular breaker. If you are selling a home, you will need to label the breakers. The smaller number on the breaker indicates the minimum ampacity before a trip.
Electrical panel labels come in a variety of materials, including vinyl and polyester. Polyester labels are available in a variety of colors, and can be made adhesive-backed. They are flexible enough to fit almost any surface, and are also durable. Vinyl labels are suitable for most electrical applications. However, they may be exposed to outdoor weather, corrosion, and harsh temperatures. The labels must withstand these conditions to remain durable.
Call an electrician
Practicing electrical safety first is a great way to lower your risk of accidents. It can also help you avoid overworking your home’s electrical system. Practicing electrical safety first can also keep your family safe.
A qualified electrician can help you identify any electrical problems in your home. In addition, a qualified electrician can fix or replace electrical equipment.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 69 percent of all electrical fires involve cords, plugs, lamps, or light fixtures.
Practicing electrical safety first can lower your risk of fires and electrical shocks. It can also prevent major incidents from occurring.
If you have children, they should have outlets covers. You should also check for signs of electrical damage before using an outlet. If the outlet has a burning smell, you should call an electrician. It is also a good idea to sweep behind appliances to keep your electrical system free of debris.
If you experience an electrical hum or a flickering light, this is a sign of overloaded wires or bad wiring. In addition, the outlet may have a metallic ground pin that returns unwanted voltage to the ground.
When sweeping behind appliances, make sure to remove any wet or wet-smelling electrical equipment. Also, make sure you have all necessary personal protective equipment, such as flame-resistant clothing and arc-rated natural fiber apparel.
Before working on any electrical fixture, check the outlet’s wiring for damage. It may be damaged due to years of usage. It is also a good idea to check the circuit breakers to ensure that they are working properly. If the circuit breakers are not working, they should be shut off.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that a home fire occurs each year in America, killing 500 people and causing $1 billion in damage.
If you experience a power outage, learn how to report it. You should also learn how to work with your electrical system, and what to do if you encounter a fire. You should also learn how to identify potential sources of electrical fires.
