ESFI Indoor Electrical Safety Check English

8/12/2019 ESFI Indoor Electrical Safety Check English

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IndoorElectrical

SAFETY CHECK

TIPS FOR THE SAFE

INDOOR USE OFELECTRICITY

iElectrical Safety Foundation I

nternationalESF R


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Published as a public service by the Electrical SafetyFoundation International in cooperation with theU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and theCanada Safety Council.

The Indoor Electrical Safety Check booklet is madepossible through a grant from Intertek Testing Ser-vices.

No endorsement of any particular product, com-pany or service is implied by their mention in thispublication.

2004 Electrical Safety Foundation International


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1

Introduction ...................................... 2

Electrical System Inspection ................4

Circuit Map and Power Audit ............. 7

The Check List ............................... 10Fuses/Circuit Breakers ..............................10Receptacle Outlets and Switches............. 13Power Cords............................................. 15Extension Cords....................................... 16Power Strips/Surge Protection................. 19Light Bulbs ................................................20Space Heaters ............................................21Small Appliances and Tools .................... 23Ground Fault Circuit

Interrupters (GFCIs) ........................... 25 Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) ...... 28Other Technology .................................... 29Batteries.................................................... 29

Glossary ......................................... 32

Note: Throughout the booklet, words in blue arelisted in the glossary.

CONTENTS


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Each year many consumers are injured andkilled in and around their homes. Unsafeconditions such as overloaded circuits anddamaged wire insulation as well as the misuseof extension cords and other electrical prod-ucts create re and electric shock hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-mission (CPSC) estimates that between 1994and 1998, there was an annual average of 208accidental electrocution deaths related to con-sumer products. In 1999, there were an es-timated 150 accidental electrocutions. This

reduction is due to improved product safetyengineering, better standards and electricalcodes, safer installations, and better safetyawareness thanks to attentive consumers andthe efforts of organizations like the ESFI.

However, during the 19941998 periodthere was an estimated annual average of165,380 electrical-related home structure res

which accounted for an annual average of 910deaths, nearly 7,000 injuries, and nearly $1.7billion in property damage. While the num-bers vary from year to year, there is no cleardownward trend as we see with electrocutions.

This underscores how important it is for us to

remain vigilant. Take a few minutes to look for and correct

electrical safety hazards in your home. It doesnot take too long to check the insulation ona cord, move an appliance away from water,check for correct wattage light bulbs, or haveground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and

INTRODUCTION


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arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed.On the other hand, it sometimes takes a life-time to overcome severe electrical injuriesthat can result from overlooking these simplethings.

Electricity is a powerful and useful energysource that also must be treated with respectand extreme caution. This brochure is intend-ed for use only as an information guide, NOTa training or instruction manual.


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4 INSPECT AND PROTECT!ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECT

In a number of cases of electrical-relatedhome structure res investigated by theCPSC, homes ranging from 40 to 100 yearsold had not been inspected since they werebuilt. Just like any product, our electrical sys-tems gradually deteriorate with use, abuse, ageand increased demand. Systems installed inthe 70s and earlier likely never anticipated thedemand we place on them today. To ensurethe electrical safety of your home, your elec-trical inspection should be up-to-date, defectscorrected, and service upgraded to meet pres-

ent and foreseeable demands.ESFI recommends asking the following

questions to determine whether you need tohave your home electrically inspected:

Is your home 40 years old or older?

Has your home had a major addition orrenovation or major new appliance add-ed, such as a refrigerator, freezer, air con-

ditioner or electric furnace, in the last 10 years?

Are you the new owner of a previouslyowned home?

Do your lights often icker or dim mo-mentarily?

Do your circuit breakers trip or fuses blowoften?

Are your outletand light switch face plateshot to the touch or discolored?


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Do you hear crackling, sizzling or buzzingfrom your outlets?

Do you have extension cords and mul-tiple power strips permanently in usearound the house?

If you answer yes to any one of the abovequestions, you should consider having a qual-

i ed, licensed electrical inspector, electricianor electrical contractor perform an electricalinspection of your home. Depending on thesize of the home, a basic inspection couldtake between 30 minutes to an hour. ESFI rec-ommends that at a minimum the inspectionshould check the following items:

Check the capacity of the electrical service

to the house and provide a load test. Is theservice adequate for present and foresee-able demands?

Check the quality of the exposed wiringincluding the service entrance if aboveground.

Check for excessive voltage drop at recep-tacles.


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Inspect the panel box and check the con-dition of all connections.

Check the wiring of receptacles, switches,and light xtures, and check for properlamp wattages.

Verify for polarity and ground wiring atthe receptacles.

Check for required ground fault circuit in-terrupters (GFCIs) and test each.

Identify the type of wiring (aluminum orcopper) and check for the proper size of

conductors and the presence of overcur-rent protection.

Check the type of wiring insulation(i.e., cloth or thermaplastic) and for wir-ing insulation condition and temperaturerating.

Check the age and type of various compo-nents of the electrical system.

Check for presence and proper placementof smoke alarms and test each one.

Check for appropriate surge suppression,and for areas of the country that experi-ence a lot of lightning, consider a surge

arrester.


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7CIRCUIT MAP AND POWER A

W hile you cannot perform your ownelectrical inspection unless youre aquali ed, licensed electrician or electrical in-spector, something you can do is create a de-tailed circuit map and perform a power audit.

This is not a substitute for an electrical inspec-tion, but it will help you establish and main-tain a safer electrical system.

A good circuit map goes beyond what thesticker on the inside of the electrical paneldoor provides. It details every receptacle and

xture each circuit serves. To create one is a

simple, though admittedly time-consumingprocess of shutting off a single circuit at a timeand determining which outlets and lighting

xtures have been affected each time. As you proceed, note what appliances are

plugged in at each receptacle. Circuitscan on-ly handle a speci ed total wattage of all theelectrical products connected to that circuit. Iftoo much wattage is demanded from a circuit,serious electrical problems can result. Here isan easy equation to use to determine what acircuit can handle:

Volts x Amps = Watts

Your electrical panel will indicate yoursystems voltage, and each fuse or circuitbreaker is marked for its amperage. Using theequation above, a 15- amp circuit in a 120- voltsystem can carry a total of 1800 watts. It is not

recommended that you exceed 80% of the to-tal circuit capacity at any given time, in thiscase 1,440 watts.


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Now, nd the nameplate on each appli-ance indicating its power rating in watts. Notethe appliance and its power rating on the entryfor that circuit. Lamps and light xtures, too,should note the maximum wattage they cantake. If you cannot nd the power rating, con-tact the manufacturer.

Some common household examples inwatts:

Hair dryer ................................... 1600Deep Fryer .................................. 1500Portable Heater ........................... 1500Iron............................................. 1000Vacuum Cleaner............................. 600Portable Fan.................................. 150

Television ...................................... 150Computer ...................................... 150VCR................................................. 40Stereo ............................................. 30Light bulbs................ 40, 60, 75 or 100

Finally, do the math. Add up the powerdemand of every appliance and xture draw-ing power from the circuit. A typical entry in

the circuit map should look like this:Circuit#3 Kitchen20 amps Total allowable capacity (80%of total capacity) = 1920 wattsServes three receptacles along the north

and west walls of the kitchen, the kitch-en ceiling lighting xture (120 watts),


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and light xture over the sink (60watts). Appliances plugged intoreceptacles include the coffee maker(800 watts), toaster (800 watts), radio(30 watts), phone/answering machine(100 watts).

Total demand on circuit = 1,910 watts.

If your total exceeds what the circuit isdesigned to provide, you may have a dan-gerous overload and should take immediatemeasures to alleviate the demands on that

circuit by moving some appliances to anotherless taxed circuit, or by adding another circuit.In fact, you may nd the total demand on

your entire system exceeds the service to yourhome. In that case, consider contracting with

your utility for a heavy up, or upgrade to ahigher level of electrical service.

A good circuit map will let you know ata glance, which circuits are overloaded and

which are still available for additional use. Al-so, in the event of an electric shock or electri-cal re, or if you need to remove power to dohome maintenance or repairs on or around acircuit, youll know without a doubt which cir-

cuit to shut off.

To be on the safe side, remember thisrule of thumb:

For 15 amps, keep it under 1500 watts.For 20 amps, keep it under 2000 watts


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10 BEFORE YOU PLUG INTO ELECTINTO ELECTRICAL SAFETYTH

W ith your circuit map and power auditdone, its time to take a run throughthe house with a keen eye on safety. Use thefollowing checklist on a regular basis to en-sure your home remains electrically safe yearin and year out. If you havent already had anelectrical inspection performed by a quali ed,licensed electrician or electrical inspector, thislist can also help identify clues that an inspec-tion and/or repairs are needed.

Fuses/Circuit Breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers are safety devices lo-cated in your electrical panel that help preventoverloading and res. They stop the electricalcurrent if it exceeds the safe level for some por-tion of the home electrical system. Overload-ing means that the appliances and lighting onthe circuit regularly demand more electricalcurrent than the circuit can safely deliver.

Left to right:Edison-base plug fuse (open)Edison-base plug fuse (new)S-Type plug fuseS-Type socket insert

Four-fuse panel

Pull out fuseCartridge fuse

Single pole circuit breakerCircuit breakerGround-fault circuit interrupter


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If the demand for electrical current ex-ceeds the safety level, a fuse opens once andmust be replaced to reconnect the circuit. A cir-cuit breaker trips its switch to open the cir-cuit, and the circuit is reconnected by closingthe switch manually.

FusesReplacing a correct size fuse with a larger sizefuse can present a serious re hazard. Doingso will allow excessive current to ow and pos-sibly overload the outlet and the house wiring

to the point that a re can begin.Be certain that correct-size fuses are used(if you do not know the correct sizes, havea quali ed, licensed electrician identifyand label the sizes to be used).

NOTE: Fuses should be rated according to the wire thatup the branch circuit, not the connected load. Most of thbased fuses used should be 15 amperes. Ensure that all f

rated higher than 15 amperes are compatible with the brcircuit wiring.

Edison-base/S-type Fuses

Consumers sometimes replace a fuse that re-peatedly blows with a higher ampere ratedfuse. Although the new fuse may not open, italso may not protect the branch circuit. Do-ing so masks the real problem of too high a

demand being placed on the circuit. The fuse will not open at the appropriate load for thatcircuit.


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Instead of using an inappropriate fuse,take something off the circuit to bring the de-mand to an appropriate level.

To prevent future installation of fuses thatallow currents too high for your wiring,

your fuse panel should be converted toS-type sockets that accept only fuses of

the correct amperage rating. If you haveEdison-base fuse sockets, have them tted

with the S-type socket inserts.

If fuses continue to blow, keep track of which branch circuits are affected and whichappliances are in use when the power outageoccurs. Consult a quali ed, licensed electri-cian to correct the problem.

Circuit BreakersJust like fuses, circuit breakers provide over-current protection by opening the circuit, ortripping when an unsafe level of demandhas been placed on the circuit.

Circuit breakers are also rated for variouscurrent levels, such as 15 or 20 amps. Breakersystems offer more exibility for new protec-tive technologies like ground fault circuit inter-rupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupt-ers (AFCIs). They also offer you the ability toreset the breaker once tripped, getting lightsup and running quickly to prevent accidentsresulting from the lack of power in the home.

Resetting a circuit breaker is quicker than re-placing a fuse and avoids the hazards of over-sized fuses.


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When resetting a tripped circuit breaker,be aware that your circuit breaker may trip toan intermediate position close to ON in-stead of the OFF position (sometimes it isdif cult to see that it has tripped). To reset,move the switch fully to OFF and then toON.

Before resetting a tripped circuit breaker,turn off or unplug appliances or lampson the circuit to bring the demand backdown to an acceptable level.

Outlets & SwitchesSwitches are used to turn the power on andoff. Outlets, or receptacles, are usually mount-ed on a wall or oor to supply electricitythrough a cord and plug to appliances, lamps,

TV, etc. These are the key points in our electri-cal systems that give us our rst line of controlto our electrical use, and they are critical con-

nection points. With time and use, these con-nections can become loose, creating potentialhazards.

Check to make sure outlet and switchplates are not unusually hot to thetouch. If they are, immediately unplugcords from these outlets and do not usethe switches. Have a quali ed, licensedelectrician check the wiring as soon aspossible.


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Look for discoloration as another indica-tion of potentially dangerous heat build-up at these connections. Stand across theroom and look for a tear-drop shapeddarkening around and above outlet andswitch cover plates.

With outlet and switch cover plates, warm to the touch mokay, but hot is not.

Check that all outlet and switch coverplates are in good condition so that no

wiring is exposed. Replace any missing,cracked or broken cover plate.

Be sure to use safety caps with unusedoutlets.

Exposed wiring is a shock hazard.


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Power CordsPower cords, part of electrical products andappliances, connect the item to the power sup-ply by plugging into the outlet. They need tobe kept in good condition. Even an electricalitem that is in otherwise good working ordercan still represent a shock and re hazard if its

power cord is damaged.

Check to make sure electrical cords are in-tact and in good condition, not frayed orcracked.

Check to make sure lamp, extension, tele-phone and other cords are placed out ofthe ow of traf c. Cords stretched across

walkways may cause someone to trip. If

you must use an extension cord, place iton the oor against a wall where peoplecannot trip over it.

Whenever possible, arrange furniture sothat outlets are available for lamps, enter-tainment products, or appliances withoutthe use of extension cords.

Check to make sure furniture is not rest-ing on cords.

Electric cords need ventilation. Cords that run under caor behind baseboards can overheat and cause a re.


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Check to make sure electrical cords donot run under furniture or carpeting, orbehind baseboards.

Nails or staples can damage cords, presenting re and shazards.

Check to make sure electrical cords arenot attached to the walls, baseboards, etc.

with nails or staples. Disconnect powerbefore removing nails and staples fromon or around electrical cords.

Do not attempt to repair cords yourself. Take any item with a damaged power cordto an authorized repair center, or cut thecord, safely dispose of the item, and pur-

chase a new one.

Cutting off the cord when disposing of a damaged electrproduct reduces the likelihood of someone else salvagiitem and bringing the hazard home with them.

Extension CordsExtension cords can be very helpful in deliver-ing power right where we need it. However, nomatter what the gauge or rating of the cord is,the extension cord is designed as a temporary


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solution, not as long-term extension of yourhouseholds electrical system. With continu-ous use, the extension cord can more rapidlydeteriorate, creating a potentially dangerouselectric shock or re hazard. In addition tothe same safety tips that apply to power cords,keep the following principles in mind whenusing extension cords.

Extension cords should only be usedon a temporary basis; they are not in-tended as permanent household wiring.

Unplug and safely store extension cordsafter every use.

A heavy reliance on extension cords is anindication that you have too few outlets toaddress your needs. Have additional out-lets installed where you need them.

Make sure extension cords are properlyrated for their intended use, indoor or

outdoor, and meet or exceed the pow-er needs of the appliance or tool beingplugged into it.


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Assume 125W per amp when calculatingpower ( wattage) to determine if the exten-sion cord you intend to use is properly rat-ed for the appliance being connected to it.

Replace No. 18 gauge cords with No. 16gauge cords. Older extension cords usingsmall (No. 18 gauge ) wires will overheat

at 15 amps or 20 amps.Change the cord to a higher rated one orunplug some appliances, if the rating onthe cord is exceeded because of the powerrequirements of one or more appliancesbeing used on the cord.

Overloaded extension cords can and do cause res.

Use cords with polarized and/or three-prong plugs.

Buy only cords approved by an indepen-dent testing laboratory, such as Underwrit-

ers Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL) orCanadian Standards Association (CSA).


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Power strips and surge protection

Power strips give us the ability to plug moreproducts into the same outlet, which can be ahelp, but also a hindrance to safety if used in-appropriately. Power strips and surge suppres-sors dont provide more power to a location,just more access to the same limited capacityof the circuit into which it is connected. Thecircuit likely also still serves a variety of otheroutlets and xtures in addition to the multipleelectrical items you might be supplying withthe power strip. In addition to the tips above,keep these safety principles in mind when us-ing power strips and surge suppressors.

Be sure you are not overloading the circuit.Know capacity of the circuit and the pow-er requirements of all the electrical itemsplugged into the power strip and into allthe other outlets on the circuit as well asthe light xtures on the circuit.

A heavy reliance power strips is an indica-tion that you have too few outlets to ad-dress your needs. Have additional outlets

installed where you need them.


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Understand that surge suppressors onlyprotect the items plugged into it, not backalong the circuit into which it is con-nected.

In the event of a large surge or spike, suchas a lightning strike, the surge suppressoris a one-time-use protector and will likely

have to be replaced.Consider purchasing surge suppressors

with cable and phone jacks to provide thesame protection to your phone, fax, com-puter modem and television.

Not all power strips are surge suppressors,not all surge suppressors can handle thesame load and events. Be sure the equip-ment you buy matches your needs.

For homes in areas with a high incidenceof lightning, consider having a surge ar-restor installed at the fuse box or breakerpanel for whole house protection

Light Bulbs Weve come to take the light bulb for grant-ed, but there is a wide variety of bulbs avail-able that provide different levels and qualityof light, and that demand different levels ofpower. Make sure you are selecting the bulbsthat are appropriate for your intended use andfor the power rating of the intended lamp or

xture.


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Use a bulb of the correct type and watt-age. If you do not know the correct watt-age, contact the manufacturer of the lampor xture.

Read and follow light bulb manufacturerssafety instructions.

Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely

loose bulbs may overheat.Place halogen oor lamps (torchieres)away from curtains, beds, rugs or otherfurnishings. These lamps can become very

hot and can cause a re hazard. Considerreplacing halogen torchiere lamps withmodels that use cooler, more ef cient u-orescent bulbs.

A bulb of too high wattage or of the wrong type may leathrough overheating. Some ceiling xtures and recessedcan trap heat.

Portable Space HeatersPortable space heaters can be a blessing in acold and drafty house in the deep of winter.But space heaters, and any electrical product

with a heating element, can demand a lot ofpower. By their nature, they also produce a lotof heat, and, if not used carefully, can becomea re hazard. Make sure to follow these safetyprinciples with portable space heaters:

Plug portable space heaters directly intoan outlet; do not use an extension cord.


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Make certain the circuit into which youplug a space heater can adequately andsafely handle the added demand.

Never remove the grounding feature on aplug by clipping or grinding off the thirdprong.

Use an adapter to connect the heaters 3-prong plug, if you do not have a 3-hole

outlet. Make sure the adapter ground wireor tab is attached to the outlet ground.

Relocate heaters away from passagewaysand keep all ammable materials such ascurtains, rugs, furniture or newspaper atleast three feet away.

Unplug and safely store portable spaceheaters when not in use.

Plug portable space heaters directly into an outlet; do noextension cord.


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Small Appliances and ToolsFollow these simple safety precautions withall your small appliances and tools:

Make certain all small appliances andtools are approved by an independenttesting laboratory, such as UnderwritersLaboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL) orCanadian Standards Association (CSA).(See example on page 18.)

Use small appliances and power toolsaccording to the manufacturers instruc-

tions.Unplug all small electrical appliances,such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons,clothes irons, and toasters, when not in

use.Be sure you have ground fault circuit inter-rupter (GFCI) protection anywhere elec-tricity and water are within six feet of eachother, such as in your kitchen, bathroomand outdoors, to protect against electricshock. For more information, see the sec-tion on GFCIs, page 25.

Take any damaged electrical appliance or

tool to an authorized repair center, or cutthe cord, safely dispose of the item, andpurchase a new one.


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Even an appliance that is not turned on, such as a hairdrbe potentially hazardous if it is left plugged in. If it fall

water in a sink or bathtub while plugged in, it can electryou. New hair dryers should always have a safety devican appliance leakage circuit interrupter (ALCI) on theircords to protect against electrocution.

Never reach into water to get an appliancethat has fallen in without being sure theappliance is unplugged or the circuit isshut off.

Tucking in an electric blanket or placing additional coon top of it can cause excessive heat buildup, which can

re.

Do not tuck in electric blankets.

Dont allow anything on top of the blan-ket while it is in use. This includes other

blankets or comforters and even petssleeping on top of the blanket.

Do not use electric blankets on children.

Never go to sleep with a heating padthat is turned on. It can burn you. Newerheating pads have an automatic cut offswitch.

Sleeping with a heating pad that is turned on can cause burns even at relatively low settings.


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Check to make sure power tools have a3-prong plug or double-insulated cords,and consider replacing old tools that haveneither.

Use a properly grounded 3-prong adapterfor connecting a 3-prong to a 2-hole re-ceptacle.

Consider using a portable GFCI when us-ing power tools.

Replace guards that have been removedfrom power tools.

There have been many recalls of powertools due to problems with the safetyguard sticking. Be sure your model hasnot been recalled, as this hazard posesa serious risk of injury. Check online at

www.recalls.gov.Check power tools before each use forfrayed cords, broken plugs or crackedhousing.

Test and Protect!Ground Fault CircuitInterrupters (GFCIs)Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

which protect against accidental electric shock

or electrocution by acting immediately to shutoff the circuit if they sense a ground fault, orleak of current off the circuithave beenin homes since the early 70s on circuits thatcome within six feet of water. Homeowners,

however, should consider having GFCI protec-tion on general purpose receptacles through-out the home.


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There are outlet GFCIs protecting every-thing in that outlet and downstream onthe circuit, circuit breaker GFCIs protect-ing the entire circuit, or portable GFCIsthat protect just at the point of use.

Outlet type GFCI

Circuit breaker type GFCI

Portable type GFCI


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A GFCI-protected outlet can provide power without giving an indication that it is no lon-ger providing shock protection. Be sure your

GFCI is providing protection from fatal elec-tric shock by testing it monthly and after everymajor electrical storm.

You should test your GFCIs monthly andafter every major electrical storm. Hereshow:

Push the Reset button of the GFCIreceptacle to prepare the unit for

testing.

Plug in a night light and turn it on.Light should be ON.

Push the Test button of the GFCI

receptacle. Light should go OFF. Push the Reset button again. Light

should go ON.

A light plugged into the GFCI receptacle

should go out when the test button is pushed.If the light remains on when the button ispushed, either the GFCI is not working prop-erly or has not been correctly installed. If theRESET button pops out but the light doesnot go out, the GFCI has been damaged or wasimproperly wired and does not offer shockprotection at that wall outlet. Contact a quali-

ed electrician to correct any wiring errors orreplace defective GFCIs.


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If you have a home without GFCIs, con-sult a quali ed, licensed electrician aboutadding this important protection, or pur-chase plug-in units or a portable GFCI toprovide individual receptacle or load pro-tection.

New ProtectionArc Fault CircuitInterrupters (AFCIs)Newer arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)can help prevent res that often result fromproblems at the outlets, switches and frayedand cracked cords connected to the circuits.

The AFCI senses the particular signature of anarcwhere electricity has to jump through aninsulating mediumand, like the GFCI, actsimmediately to shut off the circuit, thus reduc-ing the risk of re associated with arcing faults.

AFCIs are currently required by the Na-tional Electrical Code in new constructionin all bedroom circuits, but should be consid-ered in all homes and all general purpose re-ceptacles. Consult a quali ed, licensed electri-cian to determine if your home is compatible

with AFCI protection.


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Other technologyOver the years, we have begun to safety engi-neer our electrical products to include someof the same technology that has been appliedto our electrical systems. Immersion detec-tion circuit interrupters (IDCIs) and appli-ance leakage current interrupters (ALCIs) are

typically found on hair dryer and speci cappliance cords. They operate in slightly dif-ferent ways but perform essentially the samefunction. Leakage current detection interrupt-ers (LCDIs) are protective devices that helpprevent res due to damage to cords. Theyare presently being built into the plug cap ofroom air conditioners. If the cord is damaged,the LCDI circuitry detects an abnormal condi-tion and immediately shuts off power. LCDItechnology is also available in select extensioncords and power strips.

Batteries

When used correctly, batteries provide a safeand dependable source of power. However, ifthey are misused or abused, overheating, leak-age, or in extreme cases explosion or re, canoccur. Follow these safety principles when us-ing batteries:

Always follow warnings and manufactur-ers instructions for both the batteries and

the battery-operated product. Use onlythe correct type and size battery indicated.


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Check the contacts of both the battery andthe battery-operated product for cleanli-ness.

Always insert the batteries correctly withregard to polarity (-/+), matching the pos-itive and negative symbols of both batteryand product. Putting them in backwards,

the product will sometimes still operate,but may inadvertently charge the batteriesresulting in venting or leaking.

Remove and safely dispose of exhausted

batteries immediately.

Replace all batteries in battery-operatedproducts at the same time and with thebatteries of the same type and manufac-

ture.Do not short circuit batteries. When thepositive (+) and negative (-) terminals of abattery are in contact with each other, thebattery can become short circuited. Forexample, loose batteries in a pocket with


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keys or coins can be short circuited possi-bly resulting in venting or explosion.

Do not heat batteries.

Do not crush, puncture, dismantle or oth-erwise damage batteries.

Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries.

Keep batteries out of reach of small chil-dren.

Congratulations! Youve just completed athorough electrical safety check of your home.

The few minutes you took to check your home

using this booklet could prevent a safety haz-ard and save a life.


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Ampere (amps)A measure of electrical cur-rent ow.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)Providesprotection from res caused by effects of elec-trical arcing in wiring. An AFCI device willde-energize the circuit when an arc fault isdetected.

Circuit The path (usually wire) through which current ows between an electrical en-ergy source and an electrical device, appliance

or xture.

Circuit breaker or FusesProtect against over-current and short circuit conditions that couldresult in potential re hazards by opening acircuit path in case of an overcurrent.

Electrical faultsA partial or total failure in anelectrical conductor or appliance.

EnergizedElectrically connected to a sourceof potential difference, or electrically chargedso as to have a potential different from that ofthe ground.

GaugeStandard or scale of measure for cir-cuit conductors.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)Pro- vides the best available protection against severe shock and electrocution. A GFCI device

GLOSSARY


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will de-energize a circuit when it senses a dif-ference in the amount of electricity passingthrough the device and returning through thedevice, or a leak of current from the circuit.

Grounded/grounding A conducting con-nection, whether intentional or accidental,by which an electric circuit or equipment isconnected to the earth, or to some conduct-ing body of relatively large extent that servesin place of the earth.

OvercurrentAny current in excess of therated current or ampacity of a conductor. Mayresult in risk of re or shock from insulationdamaged from heat generated by overcurrentcondition.

Outlet A contact device installed along a cir-cuit for the connection of an attachment plugand exible cord to supply power to portableequipment and electrical appliances. Alsoknown as receptacles.

Three-pronged plugs and outletsGroundedappliances and outlets (unless marked other-

wise) have a third socket or prong. The third wire, or grounding conductor, provides a pathfrom the frame or housing of grounded electri-cal appliances back to the circuit breaker panelto permit current ow in event of an electricalfault in the equipment. When a ground faultoccurs, the circuit breaker can trip to remove


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energy from the faulty equipment but doesnot respond quickly enough to prevent therisk of severe shock.

Short circuitAn abnormal electrical path.

Voltage (volts)A measure of electrical po-tential

Wattage (watts)A measure of power or therate of energy consumption by an electricaldevice when it is in operation, calculated by

multiplying the voltage at which an applianceoperates by the current it draws (Watts = Volts

X Amperes).


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The Electrical Safety Foundation International(ESFI) is a not-for-pro t 501(c)(3) organiza-tion whose Board of Directors and of cersserve without compensation.

The Board of Directors includes representa-tives in senior management from the follow-ing organizations:

Connector Manufacturing CompanyCooper Bussman

CSA Group

Eaton/Cutler-HammerEdison Electric InstituteE.I. DuPont Company

EmersonGeneral Cable

GraybarInternational Association of Electrical InspectorsInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Intertek Testing ServicesLeviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.

National Consumers LeagueNational Electrical Contractors Association

National Electrical Manufacturers AssociationNational Fire Protection Association

National Safety CouncilSiemensSquare D

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.U.S.D.A. Extension Service

Western Kentucky University

ELECTRICAL SAFETFOUNDATION INTERNATIO


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The ESFI Board established the ESFI Safety Awareness Fund through the Light a Beaconfor Safety Campaign to secure nancial sup-port to implement new electrical safety educa-tion and awareness initiatives. We salute thefollowing companies for their leadership andsupport:

Platinum Beacon Sponsors$500,000 or greater

Square D Company

Gold Beacon Sponsors$250,000 or greater

Eaton/Cutler-HammerGE Industrial SystemsRockwell Automation

Silver Beacon Sponsors$100,000 or greater

ABB Power T & D Company, Inc.Advance Transformer Company

Cooper Industries, Inc.CSA International

Emerson Electric CompanyHubbell, Inc.

Intertek Testing Company

Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Lithonia LightingNECA-IBEW NLMCC

Siemens Corporation Thomas & Betts

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

LIGHT A BEACON FOR SAFETY


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Bronze Beacon$50,000 or greater

Edison Electric InstituteGeneral Cable

Graybar Electric CompanyPass & Seymour/Legrand

Copper Beacon

$25,000 or greaterConnector Manufacturing CompanyElectrical Contracting Foundation

FCI USA, Inc.Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC

ILSCO CorporationLutron Electronics Company, Inc.

Phelps Dodge FoundationPhoenix Contact, Inc.Robroy Industries, Inc.

S & C Electric CompanySouthwire Company

Beacon Contributorup to $25,000

Advanced Protection Technologies Inc.Alcan Cable

American Lighting AssociationL3 CommunicationsLamson & Sessions

MGE UPS Systems, Inc.National Association of Electrical Distributors, Inc.


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ESFI is also grateful for the nancial supportgiven in 20032004 by the following contrib-utors to the ESFI Annual Giving Fund:

BENEFACTORS ($25,000 Greater)

CSA InternationalUnderwriters Laboratories Inc.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

PATRON ($10,000 - $24,999)

General Electric

SPONSORS ($5,000 - $9,999)Cadet ManufacturingCooper Industries, Inc.

Copper Development AssociationEaton/Cutler-HammerEdison Electric InstituteGraybar FoundationHubbell Incorporated

Hypertherm IncorporatedIntertek Testing Services

Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.National Electrical Contractors Association

National Fire Protection AssociationPanasonic/Matsushita Electric Corp of America

Pass & Seymour/LegrandSiemens Energy & Automation

ANNUAL GIVING FUND CONTR


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CONTRIBUTORS (up to $4,999)

Advance TransformerAmeren Services

American Public Power AssociationAssociation of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Cantex Inc.Cleco Corporation

Connector Manufacturing Co.FERRAZ-SHAWMUT, Inc.Forest Electric Corp.

Hoffman Enclosures Inc.IBEW #1049

IBEW #143IBEW #252IBEW #51IBEW #613

IEEEInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Lincoln ElectricLithonia LightingLMCC of Chicago

Natl Electrical Manufacturer Representatives AssoNational Rural Electric Cooperative Assoc.

NECA IBEW #176NECA IBEW #701

Northern Indiana Public Service Company

OSRAM SylvaniaRadix Wire Company

Regal-Beloit Corporation


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S&C Electric CompanyS&S Electric Company, Inc.

Southwire Company Technology Research Corporation

The Homac Companies TXU Electric & Gas

Warren LMCCWESCO Distribution, Inc.Youngstown Area LMCC


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nternational

ESF R

ABOUT ESFI

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort betweenUnderwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Na-tional Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA),the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) iNorth Americas only non-pro t organization dedi-

cated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in thehome, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3)organization funded by electrical manufacturers anddistributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities,safety and consumer groups, and trade and laborassociations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical SafetyMonth each May, and engages in public educationcampaigns and proactive media relations to helpreduce property damage, personal injury and death

due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does notengage in code or standard writing or lobbying anddoes not solicit individuals.

ESFI Indoor Electrical Safety Check English

Documents

Transcript of ESFI Indoor Electrical Safety Check English