Safety Information and FAQs

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Safety Resources and Downloads
Home Electrical Safety Tips
Home Safetey FAQs

Safety Resources and Downloads

	Electrical Safety for the Home and Workplace
	Is Your Homes Fire Safety Up to Date?
	Electrical Safety Precautions During Disasters
	Workplace Powerline Safety Awareness
For Kids!
	Mr Plug Fun Book Coloring and Activities - Pre-K
	Mr Plug Fun Book Coloring and Activities - K-3rd
	Mr Plug Fun Book Coloring and Activities - Spanish K-3

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Safety tips from National Electrical Safety Foundation
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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Home Safety FAQs

What are the latest statistics on residential electrical deaths and injuries?

How can consumers help protect themselves from electricity-related injuries?

If you have an old house with old wiring, how do you know if repairs are necessary? How extensive and costly can such repairs be?

How does a three-prong plug work? What's the benefit of using it?

What is a GFCI?

How does the GFCI work?

If the GFCI is working, is there any danger of electric shock?

Do all GFCIs work in the same manner?

Can consumers install GFCIs?

What is the big plug now found on such appliances as hair dryers?

What size extension cords should a consumer use? How can you tell if an extension cord is appropriate for the intended use?

Is it ok to run power cords under rugs or furniture?

Can I nail a cord to a wall?

How long can I use extension cords?

Why should I not use halogen lamps?

If an appliance continues to blow a fuse or trip a circuit breakers, what should I do?

Are there any benefits to using circuit breakers instead of fuses?

Can I get more power from an outlet when I use a power strip?

What are the latest statistics on residential electrical deaths and injuries?
The latest figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that there were 440 total accidental electrocutions in the United States in 1999, 170 related to consumer products. Twenty-nine of those related to household wiring, 29 to small appliances, 22 to large appliances, 15 to power tools, 13 related to ladders, 12 to garden/farm equipment, and 9 to lighting equipment.

But that is only part of the story. According to the latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there is an annual average of 111,400 home fires caused by faulty electrical distribution systems, electrical appliances and equipment, or heating and air conditioning systems, taking an average of 860 lives, injuring 3,785 and causing nearly $1.3 billion in property damage.

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How can consumers help protect themselves from electricity-related injuries?

• Consumers should check for problems in their home electrical systems.
• Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded.
• Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.
• Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.
• Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
• One of the most important precautions consumers can take is to test their smoke detectors and to replace smoke detector batteries annually.
• Consumers should always follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions.

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If you have an old house with old wiring, how do you know if repairs are necessary? How extensive and costly can such repairs be?
Electrical systems age and can become overloaded, particularly in older homes. Over the years as more lighting, appliances and equipment are added, the electrical system becomes overburdened and problems can develop. If fuses blow or circuit breakers protecting branch circuits trip frequently, new branch circuits or other repairs may be necessary. Depending on the condition of the equipment and the extent of the repairs, the cost may be nominal or could run into several thousand dollars. A qualified licensed electrician can determine if repairs are necessary and can estimate the cost.

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How does a three-prong plug work? What's the benefit of using it?
The third prong on a three-prong cord set provides a path to ground for electricity that is straying or leaking from a product. This helps protect the equipment and can help prevent electric shock.
How does a polarized plug work? What's the benefit of using it?
A polarized plug is a plug with one large or wide prong and one narrow one. It ensures that the plug is inserted correctly in a socket and reduces the risk of electrical shock.

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What is a GFCI?
A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI, is an electronic device for protecting people from serious injury due to electric shock.

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How does the GFCI work?
GFCIs constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit. If the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning, the GFCI will quickly shut off the current flowing through that circuit. The advantage of using GFCIs is that they can detect even small variations in the amount of leakage current, even amounts too small to activate a fuse or circuit breaker. GFCIs work quickly, so they can help protect consumers from severe electric shocks and electrocution.

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If the GFCI is working, is there any danger of electric shock?
Even if the GFCI is working properly, people can still be shocked. However, the GFCI can act quickly to prevent electrocution.

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Do all GFCIs work in the same manner?
All GFCIs work in the same manner to protect people against ground faults. However, unlike the receptacle GFCI, the circuit breaker type GFCI also provides overload protection for the electrical branch circuit.

If the appliance has a built-in shock protector, is an additional GFCI necessary?
Appliances that have built-in shock protectors, as now required for hair dryers, may not need additional GFCI protection. However, other unprotected appliances still need GFCI protection.

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Can consumers install GFCIs?
Consumers are encouraged to use a qualified and certified electrician to install circuit breaker-type GFCIs. Individuals with strong knowledge of electrical wiring practices, who can follow the instructions accompanying the device, may be able to install receptacle-type GFCIs. The portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install.

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What is the big plug now found on such appliances as hair dryers?
The large box-like device found on the ends of some appliance cords can be either an appliance leakage circuit interrupter (ALCI), an immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). They work in different ways, but they are all intended to shut off the power to an appliance under an abnormal condition such as immersion of the appliance in liquid. Just because you have an appliance with one of these devices doesn't mean that it is okay to drop the appliance in water and retrieve it while it's plugged in. If you should happen to drop an electrical appliance in water, shut off power to the circuit into which the appliance is plugged, unplug the appliance, drain the water and retrieve the appliance. The rule that "electricity and water don't mix" still applies.
If the product has a three-prong grounding type plug, is a GFCI still necessary?
GFCIs are necessary even if the product has a third wire to ground it. GFCIs provide very sensitive protection to consumers against electric shock hazards. Under some conditions, a shock hazard could still exist even if a product has a grounding wire.

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What size extension cords should a consumer use? How can you tell if an extension cord is appropriate for the intended use?
Before purchasing an extension cord, consumers should consider how the cord will be used. Make sure the rating on the cord is the same as or higher than the number of watts needed by the product that will be plugged into the cord. Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
What should I do with cracked, frayed or damaged electrical cords?

Have cracked, frayed and damaged cords and appliances repaired at certified repair centers, or clearly label them as “damaged and electrically unsafe,” and discard them. We recommend cutting the cord to make sure “scavengers” don't find the item and take the hazard with them.

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Is it ok to run power cords under rugs or furniture?
Never run power cords across traffic paths or under rugs and furniture. Cords need ventilation to prevent heat buildup, which could cause a fire.

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Can I nail a cord to a wall?
Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface.

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How long can I use extension cords?
Never use extension cords on a continuous basis. Remember that they are only temporary solutions. Unplug and safely store them after every use.

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Why should I not use halogen lamps?
Halogen desk and floor lamps are fire risks. They should be replaced with lamps that use cooler burning and more efficient fluorescent bulbs.

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If an appliance continues to blow a fuse or trip a circuit breakers, what should I do?
Appliances that repeatedly blow fuses or trip circuit breakers should be unplugged and repaired or replaced. In addition, appliances that shock you should also be unplugged and repaired or replaced.

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Are there any benefits to using circuit breakers instead of fuses?
The main difference between circuit breakers and fuses is that circuit breakers can be reset while fuses operate only once and then must be replaced. If your breakers or fuses trip repeatedly, call an electrician because you may have a problem with your electrical system.

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Can I get more power from an outlet when I use a power strip?
No, they do not provide more power, but do provide more access to the same circuit. It is important to remember to not overload power strips and surge suppressors, or you might overload the circuit

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