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Your electrical system doesn't have to be dangerous
if you follow the proper procedures. Here's some
general safety advice for your home and farm.
Around the home ...
- Check outlets for loose-fitting plugs, which
can overheat and cause fires. Replace broken
wall plates and use safety covers on outlets
within children's reach.
- Replace frayed or cracked cords. Place cords
out of traffic areas, do not nail or staple
them to anything and do not set furniture on
them.
- Check extension cords for overheating. Don't
use extension cords on more than a temporary
basis, since they are not as safe as household
wiring. Don't run them under furniture or rugs.
- Use the proper plug for the outlet. Never
force a plug into an outlet, but do look for
a snug fit. Don't overload outlets. Also, if
the plug has three prongs and the outlet has
only two, use an adapter rather than cutting
the third prong off. When you're using a three-prong
adapter, be sure to ground it properly by attaching
its tab to the screw holding on the outlet's
face plate.
- Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
These can prevent electrocutions in areas where
electricity and water may come into contact,
such as a bathroom or kitchen. Test GFCIs regularly
to make sure they're working. It could save
a life.
- Match the wattage of light bulbs and their
sockets. Check the bulbs in your house and replace
them if the bulb wattage is higher. Screw bulbs
in securely to prevent overheating.
- Match circuit breakers and fuses with their
circuits. An electrician can tell the proper
size of fuse if you don't know. Never replace
a fuse with one that's not the right size.
- Water and electricity don't mix. Don't put
electrical appliances nearer to water than they
have to be, and unplug them when they're not
in use. If an appliance has gotten wet, unplug
it and have a repair person check it before
you use it again.
- If an appliance gets the habit of blowing
a fuse or tripping a circuit breaker, or if
has given an electric shock, have it repaired
or replaced.
- Check entertainment and computer equipment
for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and connectors.
Use surge protectors.
Around the yard or farm ...
- Inspect power tools and electric mowers for
frayed, broken or cracked parts of the electrical
system, including cords, plugs and housings.
- Use tools and extension cords that are intended
to be used outside. Don't let tools get wet.
- Unplug tools that are not in use, because
they may have parts that remain electrically
live otherwise. Don't use or store power tools
near water sources.
- Don't use tools outside in the rain.
- Don't carry an appliance by its cord. Pull
the plug; never pull the cord.
- Be careful when using metal ladders, which
conduct electricty. Watch for overhead power
lines and wires.
Especially for the farm or other workplace
...
- Make sure all three-wire tools and appliances
with flexible cords are properly grounded. Protect
cords and cables from physical damage.
- Protect live parts of electrical equipment
from accidental contact.
- Identify circuits with their fuses or circuit
boards and record them in the panelboard directory.
- Ground exposed parts of fixed equipment that
could be energized.
- Make sure ground paths from equipment and
enclosures are permanent and continuous.
- Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension
on terminals.
- Clear blockages on equipment ventilation openings.
- Locate circuit breakers and fuses where they
can be reached quickly and easily.
- Install floor electrical outlets to be flush
with the floor.
- Use extension cords only temporarily.
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