May is National Electrical Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about electrical hazards and promote safe practices. It may seem easy to take electrical safety for granted – until an accident occurs. If not properly assessed and dealt with, faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, and outdated appliances can pose serious risks.
At UGI EnergyLink, we’re committed to providing not just power, but safe and reliable energy. By taking precautions, you can protect your family, coworkers, and property from electrical hazards. Here are five electrical safety tips to help keep you safe.
Tip 1: Inspect Cords and Outlets Regularly
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical malfunction fires are one of the leading causes of residential building fires. However, frayed wires, damaged outlets, and loose connections – all common causes of electrical fires – can also affect your home or business. It’s essential to regularly inspect cords and outlets for the following to prevent fires.
- Check power cords for damage before use. If a cord is worn or there’s exposed wire, replace it immediately with a new, undamaged cord.
- Avoid running cords under rugs or furniture. Cords overheat more easily when obstructed or covered. The best practice is to place cords over rugs and furniture.
- Ensure plugs fit snugly into outlets. Loose connections can spark and create fire hazards.
- Never yank a cord from the wall. When dealing with a pesky cord that won’t budge from its socket, it may be tempting to yank it out. However, doing so creates additional electrical safety risks. Always pull by the plug instead to prevent damage.
In workplaces, employees should be encouraged to report damaged cords or malfunctioning equipment to maintenance staff immediately. This is the best way to prevent minor fixes from spiraling into more serious issues.
Tip 2: Don’t Overload Outlets and Power Strips
In today’s fast-paced world, a low phone battery alert or dying laptop seems urgent; it may be tempting to plug one more cord into an already overloaded outlet or power strip. However, doing so would place you at an electrical safety risk. Consider the following when handling outlets and power strips.
- Follow the wattage rating for outlets and extension cords. The wattage listed is the maximum amount of power drawn by the cord. This information can be found on the bottom or back of the power strip or on its nameplate. When plugging multiple devices into the strip, you must add the wattage rating of all devices together.
- Use power strips with built-in surge protection. Surge protectors absorb or divert excess voltage during electrical surges. When using power strips, avoid attaching multiple strips together, which can cause overloads.
- Unplug devices when not in use. This reduces strain on circuits and is an energy-efficient practice that can save you money on your energy bill.
- Ensure high-power equipment is plugged directly into wall outlets. Don’t plug these electronics – like home or office printers and space heaters – into power strips.
Tip 3: Upgrade to LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are today’s most energy-efficient products, especially those rated by ENERGY STAR, which use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
The perks don’t stop at energy savings; LED Bulbs also have several electrical safety advantages. LEDs emit less heat than incandescent bulbs, which release 90% of their energy as heat. Be sure to replace old bulbs promptly, especially in enclosed fixtures where heat buildup is a concern.
Tip 4: Install and Test GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are crucial in areas where outlets may be exposed to water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. They shut off power instantly if a fault is detected, preventing shocks and electrocution.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, GFCI outlets should be tested after installation, at least once a month, after a power failure, and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
To test your GFCI, plug in an electronic device like a lamp, press the “test” button, and the light should go out. If it doesn’t, your GFCI may need to be replaced or checked to see if an electrician properly installed it. When testing GFCI, also press the “reset” button, which should cause the lamp light to come back on. If it doesn’t, it may mean your GFCI has malfunctioned.
GFCI outlets play a pivotal role in older homes, as they may still have outdated two-prong outlets. Workplaces should ensure GFCI protection in break rooms, labs, and maintenance areas where electrical equipment is used near water sources.
Tip 5: Schedule Professional Electrical Inspections
Many electrical hazards are hidden behind walls. An annual inspection by a licensed electrician can identify potential electrical safety issues that would otherwise go unseen.
- Faulty wiring. This can be especially common in older homes.
- Outdated breaker panels. Energy professionals can ensure your breaker is up to current safety standards.
Businesses should prioritize routine electrical maintenance to comply with OSHA regulations and prevent workplace accidents.
UGI EnergyLink Puts Safety First
At UGI EnergyLink, safety is at the core of everything we do. Whether powering homes or commercial businesses, we strive to deliver energy solutions that are safe, secure, and dependable.
For more energy safety tips and resources, visit our blog. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and powered for the future.