Spring Safety Tips

spring

ELECTRICAL SAFETY FACTS AND STATISTICS

The most recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that on average, there are over 400 electrocutions in the United States each year. Of these, ladders contacting power lines caused nine percent of electrocutions; in another five percent of  deaths, victims contacted high voltage power lines.

Don’t become a statistic--use these safety tips when working with or around electricity outdoors.  And be sure to call the new national call-before-you-dig number - 811 - before you plant or install outdoor equipment.

 

AVOID OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AT WORK AND HOME

Warmer weather brings an increase in outdoor work in many

parts of the country, both on the job and at home.

Increasing electrical safety awareness can help ensure those

activities do not result in injuries and deaths, according to the

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). ESFI notes

that following safety rules can reduce electrical deaths and

injuries:

• Ladders—even those made of wood—that contact a power line can prove fatal.

• Unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use.

• Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housing and repair or replace damaged items.

• Water does not mix with electricity. Avoid damp conditions — including wet grass — when using electricity.

• Wherever possible, use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or purchase tools with built-in GFCI technology. 

ELIMINATE TOP SAFETY THREATS TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL INJURIES

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reminds

consumers that taking steps to eliminate the top electrical

safety threats around the home and workplace can prevent

thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths that needlessly

occur each year.

According to data, top electrical safety hazards include:

·       Electrical fires caused by aging wiring;

·       Misuse of surge suppressors and extension cords; and

Electrocutions from power lines, wiring systems and large appliances.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC ) research indicates that each year we can expect more than 140,000 electrical fires, which result in hundreds of injuries and deaths. Electrocutions associated with wiring and consumer products cost hundreds of lives annually. In the workplace, over 300 workplace fatalities and approximately 4,000 injuries occur each year due to electrical hazards, according to a study published by the National Safety Council. ESFI has issued electrical safety tips to help avoid tragic and costly injuries:

• Replace damaged electrical equipment or have it repaired at an authorized repair center.

• Use appliances and equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions .

• Make sure power strips, cords and surge suppressors are designed to handle the loads for their intended use. Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many items into the same outlet.

• Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection when working where water is near electricity to protect against electric shock.

• Make certain that all products and equipment are approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or ETL-SEMKO (ETL).

• Add protection by installing a new electrical safety device—an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)—to detect and stop electrical arcs that can cause fires. Arcs are not detected by most breakers and fuses.

GFCIs: TOP SAFETY DEVICE
 

Installing a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in every

home and workplace could prevent nearly 70 percent of the

approximately 400 electrocutions that occur each year. GFCIs

are especially useful for cord-connected appliances and

equipment used outdoors or near water.

·       GFCIs are electrical safety devices that trip electrical circuits when they detect ground faults or leakage currents. A GFCI can be an electrical receptacle, circuit breaker, or portable device. A person who becomes part of a path for leakage current will be severely shocked or electrocuted.

·       An Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) survey found that nearly one-half of U.S. families never test the GFCIs in their homes. More that 25 percent do not know that GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. Even among those who routinely tested their GFCIs, none said that they tested their units as recommended — at least once a month and after storms. 

• GFCIs are subject to wear and possible damage from power surges during an electrical storm. Industry studies suggest that as many as 10 percent of GFCIs in use may be damaged. ESFI   recommends performing a simple monthly test to determine if GFCIs are functioning properly.

• Among the estimated millions of GFCIs installed nationwide, many are the standard wall or receptacle-type GFCIs. To test your GFCIs, follow this simple procedure:

•  Push the "Reset" button of the GFCI receptacle to prepare the unit for testing.

• Plug a light into the GFCI and turn it on. The light should now be ON.

• Push the "Test" button of the GFCI. The light should go OFF.

• Push the "Reset" button again. The light should again turn ON.

• The light should go out when the test button is pushed. If the light does not go out, then the GFCI is not working or has been installed incorrectly. 

• If the "Reset" button pops out during the test but the light does not go out, the GFCI may have been improperly wired. In this case, the GFCI may have been damaged and does not offer shock protection. Contact Sylvia Electrical Contracting to check the GFCI and correct the problem.

CALL 811

BEFORE YOU DIG!

811

is the new national number you should

call before you begin any digging project.

For more information, go to

http://www.call811.com

Article from:  electrical-safety.org

Electrical Safety Tips For The Winter Season

It is the time of the year that many people feel the crunch of the rising cost of heating oil and electric bills.  Many consumers will try to save money by using portable space heaters and electric blankets.  Read the following tips to be safe this winter.  Call Sylvia Electrical Contracting for GFI outlets, switches, and generators.  We handle installation of smoke alarms.  Call us at 978-535-6661 for a free estimate.

General Safety Tips

1. Try to avoid using candles for lighting during a power outage. Instead use flashlights and other battery-powered lights which are not a potential fire hazard.
2. Make sure you have a good supply of flashlights, batteries, and other such supplies in case of emergency.
3. When the power goes out, turn off any major appliances, leaving only a light or two in the "on" position to act as a signal for when the power returns. Larger appliances left on can cause an over-load.
4. When disconnecting an electrical cord, pull from the plug, not the cord itself.
5. Make sure that your electrical devices are in good working order. Check for worn electric cords and broken switches. Broken or bent parts in a heater can cause fires and electrical shock.
6. Eliminate "octopus" connections. Plugging multiple cords into a single socket can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
7. Remember than no matter how safety conscious you think you are, things can always go wrong. It is a good idea to prepare for the unexpected. A good functioning smoke alarm can dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Make sure that the batteries checked frequently. Also a class C fire extinguisher can save lives and damage.

Safety Tips for Portable Space Heaters

1. Keep drapes, newspapers, clothing and other combustible objects a safe distance away.
2. Plug portable space heaters directly into the outlet. Do not use extension cords or 3-in 1 adapters.
3. Always put heaters in a place where they can't be tipped over easily. It's best to keep them on the floor where they have less of a chance of falling and becoming a potential fire or shock hazard.
4. Do not use heaters in wet or moist areas, such as bathrooms, unless they are specifically built for that purpose. Doing so can not only corrode the heater, but can be a dangerous shock hazard.
5. Make sure that the plug of the heater fits snugly in the outlet. A worn-out outlet can overheat, burning up both the outlet and plug. If left unnoticed, this can start a fire throughout the house.
   Note: The plug of the heater will usually get warm to the touch when the heater is in use. This is OK. Make sure that it doesn't get hot.
6. Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Doing so can cause the cord to overheat and start a fire.
7. Broken heaters should be checked and repaired only by a qualified appliance service center. Do not attempt to make any repairs to the heater yourself.
8. Don't use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock.
9. Turn off the space heater and unplug it when not in use.

Safety Tips for Electric Blankets and Heating Pads

1. Electric blankets (that one covers with) and electric heating pads (that put directly on the mattress) should not be used interchangeably or at the same time.
2. Before plugging in your electric blanket or pad, check for any damage and inspect for worn cords and other damage.
3. Never get into bed with a heating pad switched on. Unplug it first otherwise it may overheat and catch fire. Likewise, never lie on top of an electric blanket when it's switched on. This could also start a fire.
4. Electric blankets should not be tucked under the mattress and nothing should be placed on top of the blanket while it is in use (including quilts, blankets and other covers).
   Use the ties on the heating pad to secure it to the mattress. This prevents slipping and creasing which could damage the elements.
5. Do not fold the electric blanket while it's being used. This can cause the blanket to overheat and burn out. Make sure the blanket has a mechanism to cut off the power if the blanket overheats
6. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the electric blanket or pad. Most advise against using heating blankets on waterbeds, sofas, bunk beds, or mechanical beds.
7. When washing the blanket, make sure it is completely dry before use. Never dry-clean an electrical blanket because the chemicals can damage the heating insulation and increase the risk of fire.

By: Jonathan Z. Kremer

Use This Winter Electrical Safety Checklist

The change of seasons is an ideal time to use your cool weather electrical safety checklist to avoid potentially lethal electrical hazards, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, which offers the following safety tips:

Outdoor tools and appliances

• Safely store warm weather tools like lawn mowers and trimmers. Check cold weather tools, such as leaf and snow blowers, along with their power cords, for unusual wear and tear. Repair or replace worn tools or parts right away.
• Unplug and safely store battery chargers that won't be in use again until spring.
• Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities. Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture. Make sure electrical equipment that has been wet is inspected and reconditioned by a certified repair dealer.
• Keep dry leaves swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets and power cords.

Holiday decorations and costumes

• Ensure all holiday lighting and extension cords are in good repair, with no fraying, cracking or cuts, and are certified by an independent testing lab such as UL, CSA or ETL. Follow the rating for indoor or outdoor use.
• Never connect more than three strands of decorative lights together. Make sure all connections are tight and protected from inclement weather, including the outlet. Unplug the lights from the outlet when not in use.
• Make sure spotlights used to highlight decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather and are a safe distance from anything flammable, such as shrubs and bushes, dry leaves or fabric decorations.
• Keep power and extension cords out of pathways.
• Do not coil power cords or extension cords while in use. Do not tuck them under rugs, carpets or curtains. They may overheat, causing a fire hazard.

Electric blankets

• Make sure electric blankets are in good repair and certified by an independent testing lab such as UL, CSA or ETL. Power cords should not be frayed, cracked or cut.
• Do not tuck your electric blanket into mattresses or under children, and don't put anything on top of the blanket while in use, such as comforters or bedspreads.
• Never allow pets to sleep on the electric blanket.

 Power Outages

• Make sure you have candles and outage kits, food, water, etc. 
• Sylvia Electrical can give you prices on portable or stand-alone generators so you don't have to be left in the dark.
• Even portable generators can keep your heat and refrigerator going

Sylvia Electrical can help with all your electrical needs.  Our local electricians are ready to help you.  Call us today at 978-535-6661 for a free estimate.
 

5 Dangerous Electrical Situations (And How to Deal With Them)

The stance most of us take with our electrical system is "out of sight, out of mind', but sometimes it can act in ways we don't expect. Read up on these 5 scenarios so you aren't left in the dark (or worse)!

What To Do If... a GFCI Trips the Circuit.
If your GFCI has cut off power to whatever appliance you are using, it is because the current began leaking instead of all being directed back to the source. One of the most common causes is that the appliance has come into contact with moisture. If your GFCI trips:

• Turn off and unplug the appliance. (It's easy to forget to actually turn it off since the power has already been cut off, but if you don't then you're in for a surprise when you plug it back in!)
• Check it for moisture. If you find any, dry it off thoroughly.
• Make sure your hands are dry.
• Plug the appliance back in.
• Press the "reset" button on the GFCI.
• Turn the appliance back on.

If the outlet still does not work or continues to trip frequently, call an electrician as there may be a greater problem than moisture.

What To Do If... Your Electricity Goes Out.
You're sitting there minding your own business and the next thing you know, it's pitch black and your music has stopped, the microwave doesn't show the time, and the sorrowful howl of a wolf echoes on the wind as scraggly branches scrape your window like long fingers. Maybe.
First things first- assess your situation. Did ALL of your power go out, or just a portion of the house? What is the weather like? Have you got practically-apocalyptic thunderstorms, or is it bright and sunny?
Next, get thee to the electrical panel. Check all of the breakers including the main breaker: are any of them tripped? If so, switch them back to "on" and see if that solves your problem. If not....
Check to see if anyone else in your area has experienced a power outage, and call your electricity provider's emergency number.
In a situation like this you will discover very quickly whether you are prepared. Have you got emergency candles, matches, blankets, and a battery-powered radio in an easy-to-reach place?

What To Do If... Someone Experiences an Electrical Shock.
As you may know, electrical shocks can occur with different levels of severity. Some do little more than raise the hair on your arms and make a loud "POP". Others leave a nasty burn. Others still leave no evidence at all, but that doesn't mean they are not dangerous.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the individual is no longer in contact with the source of the shock. Whether it was an outlet, an appliance, or a conductor, make sure that the victim is no longer touching it. In the event of a severe burn during which the muscles seize and the victim can't let go, the first thing you should do is try and turn the power off at the breaker.

• DO NOT touch the source of the shock, even if that's where the power switch is.
• Turn off the main breaker if you have to. If this is not possible, use something dry and non-conductive (like a dry wooden broomstick) to push the person away from the source.
• Call 911.

After a less-severe shock (that the victim was able to let go of by his/herself), have the victim sit down and assess the damage:

• Are there any burns or marks at the shock location?
• Does the victim feel lightheaded, dizzy, or have vague pain anywhere in his/her body? It is possible for internal organs to be damaged from a shock even if you can't see any outward signs.
• If anything seems "off", such as tingling, numbness, paralysis, vision/speech/hearing problems, or any period of unconsciousness, seek medical attention regardless of how the person says he/she feels.

What to Do If... An Electrical Fire Breaks Out
Electrical fires are special. Contrary to everything we learned in school about fire, you can't fight an electrical fire with water. Water plus electricity equals more danger. If you accidentally get wet near volatile electrical wiring or equipment, or even touch anything wet near the electrical source you are putting yourself in serious danger.
If a fire breaks out and you know that it has an electrical source (such as at an outlet, at your electrical panel, or an appliance that is plugged in), use a chemical fire extinguisher to put out the flame. Baking soda is also a good choice, if you can get to it safely and quickly. Never try to put it out with water. If you don't have access to a chemical extinguisher, unplug the equipment if it is safe to do so, turn off the power at the electrical panel if you can, and exit the area.
Call 911 and tell them it is an electrical fire so they can combat it properly and safely.

What to Do If...You Discover Damaged Wires/Wiring
Say you're doing a little TLC around the house, maybe working on a honey-do list, and you discover some wires that are cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged. Regardless of whether they are still functioning, it is important to immediately call a licensed electrician to have them inspect it and replace the wiring if necessary.
If you are concerned that the wiring may cause an immediate hazard (the outlet/switch/area is hot to the touch, buzzing, or emitting smoke or sparks), turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Do not use electricity in that area until the problem has been resolved.

Call 877-535-6661 and talk to the qualified, licensed electricians at Sylvia Electrical for a free estimate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6879390 by Sharayah Pranger

Think Spring!

Believe it or not spring is only 5 weeks ago. It will be here before you know it.

Take a moment to think about all the home improvements you have been thinking about all winter. Our electricians are eager to make your wish list come true.

• Perhaps you will be purchasing a new HD flat screen TV and need it mounted and outlets installed.

• Are you may be planning a new patio or deck, perhaps a pool or hot tub and will need GFI outlets and lighting installed?
  
  That's where Sylvia Electrical will come to the rescue.
  

• Add recessed lighting to your kitchen for a modern up date.

• Ceiling fans are not only aesthetically pleasing but will help you save money by cooling your rooms.

• Think safety, think security. We can install a variety of security lighting and motion sensors to keep you and your family safe.
  

• If your breakers are tripping and your lights are flickering it may be time to think about a new service panel, 60 amp panels are a thing of the past.
  
  Call 877-535-6661 today for a free estimate.

The Importance of Your Home Electrical System

Your home's electrical system is like the body's central nervous system - and the electrical service panel is the heart of your home. It's important that it's installed correctly, and for homes over 30 years old, you should seriously consider modernizing your electric panel to avoid dangerous connections that could result in fire.

A power provider, an electric or utility company, brings electricity to each home and installs a meter. Everything past that point, including the electrical panel, is the homeowner's responsibility. Upgrading and replacing an electrical panel is therefore up to the homeowner as well. This work requires a licensed electrician. Call Sylvia Electrical Contracting toll free at 978-535-6661 and we will answer all your questions.

Do your lights flicker? Are you still replacing fuses in an antiquated electrical panel? Or are your breakers tripping constantly? If so, your home is likely equipped with just a 60 amp electrical service, or a 100 amp electrical service, rather than the standard 200 amp electrical service that is installed in most homes today. You should upgrade or replace your electrical panel.

Why You Might Need to Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel:

Major Renovation or Home Addition
Using 60 Amp Electrical Service
Using 100 Amp Electrical Service
Panel Box is Making a Crackling Sound
Fuses Blow Regularly
Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
Appliances aren't Running on Full Power
Flickering Lights
Outlets are Two Prongs (non-grounded)
Multiple Extension Cords
More Outlets Necessary
Need to Add a Sub Panel
Require a 240v Circuit
Power Surge Arrestor Needed
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) Outlet is Required
Homeowners Insurance Requires an Upgrade