Electrical safety Tips
Use the following information to check areas of your home to help make it more electrically safe. Not following these recommendations could lead to
- an electrical shock
- overheating or
- a fire.
At GRENLEC, we believe that nothing is more important than your safety.
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 panelboard 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.
Cords
Make sure cords are out of traffic areas and that furniture is not resting on them. In addition, make sure cords are
- in good condition
- not frayed or cracked and
- never nailed or stapled to the wall baseboard or other objects.
Plugs
Plugs should
- fit securely
- never be forced into an outlet if they don't fit
- be the proper type
- Never cut off the ground pin (the third prong) from a plug.
- Use a two-prong adapter instead.
Outlets
Check outlets for· loose-fitting plugs
- broken wall plates and
- overloaded situations.Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.
Light bulbs
Check bulbs to be sure they are
- screwed in securely and
- the correct wattage for the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended.
Circuit breakers / fuses
- Circuit breakers and fuses should always be the correct size for the circuit.
- Never replace a fuse with anything but the correct size fuse.
- If you don't know the correct size fuse, have an electrician identify and label the sizes to be used.
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 regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly.
- GFCIs (or GFIs) should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact.
- Test GFCIs regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.Water and electricity don't mix
- Don't place any electrical appliance near water, such as a sink or bathtub
- Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when not in use.
- If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, unplug it and don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repairperson.Entertainment / computer equipment
- Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, cords and connectors.
