Hazard Identification at Home. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) GFCI’s provide protection by turning off the power before a shock occurs

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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




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


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:

https://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtlmrk.html

For safety, shouldn’t you demand the same protection for your home?


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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


Connections to Receptacles

Overloaded electrical outlets are a major fire hazard

http://www.citizencorps.fema.gov/cert/IS317/fire/images/ic_02_02_0050.jpg


Damp / wet locations

Make sure that all electrical receptacles in wet, damp and potentially damp locations are protected by GFCI receptacles or breakers

Hazard Identification at HomeOther 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 HomeOther 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

http://www.angieslist.com/files/styles/adslider_full/public/knobandtubewiring.jpg?itok=DKQKb18D


Automobile batteriesA 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!

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Hazard Identification at Home. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) GFCI’s provide protection by turning off the power before a shock occurs