Hazard Identification at Home

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s)  GFCI’s provide protection by turning off the power before a shock occurs  Pressing the ‘Test’ button trips the GFCI, causing the same effect as if the GFCI had tripped due to a circuit fault  The manufacturer recommends testing GFCI’s monthly; when did you test yours last? By Jimbob82 (at en.wikipedia.org) ([1]) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Hazard Identification at Home Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s)  Two types commonly found in homes  GFCI breaker installed in breaker panel  GFCI receptacle protecting itself and possibly other receptacles By Jimbob82 (at en.wikipedia.org) ([1]) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Hazard Identification at Home  Important to know how to properly reset either type if it trips  First, disconnect everything from the receptacles in the circuit  Attempt ONLY ONE TIME to reset it with the Reset button  If it trips again, have the circuit tested by a qualified individual

Hazard Identification at Home Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI’s)  Look very similar to GFCI breakers or receptacles  Required by National Electrical Code in all new construction  Protect against fires due to arcing in circuit  Both GFCI and AFCI receptacles are available as tamper-resistant devices  Prevent insertion of an object (hairpin, paper clip, etc.) into only one opening in a receptacle  Especially important if small children are in the home

Hazard Identification at Home Home appliances  Everything from power strips to major appliances  Look for a label that shows the appliance approval by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)  Assures product quality and safety  Approved electrical items are required for use in Government and Industry applications  Samples may be viewed at:  For safety, shouldn’t you demand the same protection for your home?

Hazard Identification at Home Inspection / Repairs  The condition of items in the home affects safety  Some things to look for include  Damaged extension cords, appliance cords and power tool cords  They should be inspected for:  damaged insu lation  broken or damaged ground pin on three-prong plugs  other damage  Any damage found MUST be repaired by a qualified individual before use 1 Carson Dunlop; Zeus Inc

Hazard Identification at Home Extension Cords & Power Strips  Extension cords should never be connected to other extension cords or power strips  Power strips should never be connected to other power strips or extension cords  Both of these are known as “daisy chaining”  Always make sure the extension cord or power strip is rated for the amount of current the connected device uses – use a 20% safety margin – a power strip rated for 20 Amps should be used for no more than 16 Amps

Hazard Identification at Home  Connections to Receptacles  Overloaded electrical outlets are a major fire hazard

Hazard Identification at Home  Damp / wet locations  Make sure that all electrical receptacles in wet, damp and potentially damp locations are protected by GFCI receptacles or breakers Laundry rooms Basements Garages Kitchens Bathrooms Outdoors

Hazard Identification at Home Other Hazards  Underground wiring in yards (call the local ‘Dig’ number prior to digging)  Overhead service entry cables may :  have damaged insulation at or near the weatherhead  not have proper clearance above ground due to changes in grade level after the overhead lines were installed

Hazard Identification at Home Other Hazards (cont’d:)  Older homes:  may be wired with aluminum wiring  may be wired with two-wire cable (ungrounded wiring)  not have GFCI protection where needed  almost certainly not have AFCI protection  Really old homes  May be wired with knob & tubing wiring  Knob and tubing wiring may have damaged insulation due to age adslider_full/public/knobandtubewiring. jpg?itok=DKQKb18D

Hazard Identification at Home Automobile batteries  A quote from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  Add a sixth catagory: thermal burns as a result of jewelry or tools contacting battery terminals The types of injuries sustained can be described by five general categories: battery explosions, chemical burns and/or contamination resulting from contact with battery acid, muscle strains and/or crush-type injuries associated with lifting or dropping the battery, and electrical shock from contacting battery cables and/or posts. [“Injuries Associated With Hazards Involving Motor Vehicle Batteries”, Research Note, 1997]

Hazard Identification at Home - Summary  This is not meant to be a complete listing of electrical hazards found in the home  The purpose is to raise awareness of the types of hazards that may be present and emphasize that they need to be dealt with appropriately  REMEMBER: All electrical installation or repairs should be done by a qualified individual!