Safety Tips

Since it is a fact that 1/3 of all fires are caused by electrical installations, it is important that your complete system is done safely. This includes grounding, surge protection, placement of extension cords and all other wiring. We are happy to give you these sources of good information, as life safety is important to us and our industry.

Electric power gives us light and warmth, but without safety precautions, it can also be dangerous. Follow these simple precautions to help insure you and your family’s safety:

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• In homes with small children, electrical outlets should have plastic safety covers.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Consider plugging only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
• When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.
• Never touch anything electrical when you have wet hands.
• Don’t use electrical appliances such as hair dryers or radios in a wet place or near water.
• If power is lost during a storm, turn off or unplug electrical appliances so that there’s not a power surge when the electricity comes back on.
• If there’s flooding, watch out for water around electrical items, and never use appliances if they’re wet.
• Never play with kites or toy planes near overhead power lines.
• If a toy happens to get caught in a power line, don’t attempt to remove it yourself.
• Never prune trees yourself that are near power lines.

Link for Additional Safety Information

• www.electrical-safety.org
• www.codebookcity.com/codearticles/nec/
• www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70
• www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70E
• www.ibewlocal26.org/
• www.ibew.org/
• www.mikeholt.com/
• www.nema.org
• www.ieee.org/portal/site
• www.rp-l.com/makeelectricity.htm
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtEswvG8SY0

Helpful Links

• Electrical Safety Foundation International
• International Association of Electrical Inspectors
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee
• National Fire Protection Association
• National Electrical Manufacturer's Association
• International Code Council
• Association of Energy Engineers
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America
• American Subcontractors Association
• National Lighting Bureau
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers of America