Electrical hazards are responsible for hundred of deaths
and thousands of injuries each year in the U.S. Property damage,
the result of residential electrical fires, is estimated at $1.6
billion annually.
Nearly 400 deaths are attributed to work place electrocutions
Residential electrical fires are blames for over 500 deaths
Approximately 4,000 workplace injuries are due to electrical hazards
Home electrical fires cause about 6,000 injuries
140,000 home fires are related to electricity
Residential electrical fires cause over $1.6 billion in property
damage
Market and demographic trends
illustrate the persistence of the gap between electrical safety
knowledge and safe practices:
Growing demand for electrical products
People at home and in the workplace fail to recognize and address
electrical
hazards
Globalization creates product safety challenges with codes and
compliance.
Aging home structures add to the safety challenge
Changing demographics present growing educational challenges,
including literacy and language barriers
Understanding what’s involved
in your home’s electrical system is the first step in protecting
your home from potential electrical problems. But there are
other steps homeowners can take to further ensure the safety of
their families and homes. For example:
Never put a higher-watt bulb in your lighting fixtures than is
recommended by the manufacturer. This can burn up the
fixture’s wiring, leading to a fire hazard.
Never cover up extension cords with furniture, floor coverings or
window treatments. Extension cords are rated for use in free
air. Avoid overloading extension cords. Just because there
are six receptacles doesn’t mean you should plug something
into every one. Extension cords are rated for a specific
number of watts. Make sure the items plugged into the cord
do not exceed this rating. A last note on extension cords:
They are meant to be a temporary—not permanent—solution for
wiring. Do not use them on a continual basis.
Flickering lights, outlets that work sporadically, circuit breakers
that frequently trip, loose wall outlets, bulbs that blow
out frequently—all of these are indications of minor
electrical problems. If these problems are not monitored and
rectified, they can lead to bigger dangers. They also may be
indications of more serious electrical mishaps, such as
improper wiring or poor grounding.
In addition to these visual signs, be alert for the smell of burning
rubber or plastic, the feel of heat coming from electrical
components, or the sound of sizzling or humming coming from
electrical components. These, too, are indications that
something is amiss with your electrical system.
Know the location of the breaker panel and the main shut-off to the
electrical system. Labeling in the control panel should
identify each circuit breaker’s circuit. The main shut-off
may be located outside at the meter. If something is amiss
with the system, everything can be shut down here. Panels
need to be accessible.
Avoid
using multi-plug sockets.
Check behind your TV. Are the VCR, CD player, cable box,
stereo and tape deck all plugged into each other? Before you
add that video game ask yourself, “Am I playing with fire?”
Keep
flammable materials away from lamps and heaters.
Place electric heaters away from well-traveled areas where
someone might trip and fall.
Place
electrical appliances a safe distance from tubs and sinks.
Check
electrical cords for worn spots or frayed wires.
Don’t mend it; replace it! Homemade repairs are a common
source of fires.
Now that
you know the basics, you’ll be better equipped to keep your home
wired and working well.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive.
If you have a question that is not addressed below please
contact us and we will be happy to address any questions or
concerns you have about your electrical service.
How can I save money on
my electric bill?
A great way to save money on your electric bill is to get a
WATTBOSS. A WATTBOSS is a device that will extend your appliance
life, eliminate power surges and will reduce your electric bill
by up to 25%. Best of all with the money you save on your
electric bill, the WATTBOSS will pay for itself in under one
year!
What
can I do to reduce my business energy costs? Office buildings in the U.S. spend an
annual average of $1.34 per square foot on electricity and 18
cents per square foot on natural gas. In a typical office
building, lighting, heating, and cooling represent between 54
and 71% of total use depending on climate, making those systems
the best targets for energy savings.
Why
do my lights dim when my air conditioner starts?
There may be a loose connection somewhere on the circuit or the
circuit is overloaded.
Do my smoke detectors
ever need to be changed?
Yes, even hard wired smoke detectors should be changed every ten
years.
What is a
carbon-monoxide detector and why do I need one? Massachusetts law now requires all homes to have
carbon-monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is very hazardous and
dangerous gas which comes from oil burners or other heat units.
When
are carbon-monoxide detectors required?
They are required in all homes by March 31, 2006.
Where should
carbon-monoxide detectors be installed?
In every bedroom and on every floor.
Is
my 100 amp service adequate?
It all depends on what size load you have added since the
service was installed. An electrician should be called to
evaluate it.
Should I get a generator
for my home?
Yes, any home or business that is prone to power outages should
have some kind of backup power source.
Will my electric bill go
down if I upgrade my service?
It is hard to say but in most cases there is a reduction in the
electric bill due to the new installation, tighter connections,
and balance of power. The amount of savings depends on your
monthly electric bill.
What are some simple
things I can do around the house to save on my electricity bill?
Change all your bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, change your
thermostats to programmed thermostats, have an electrician check
your meter socket and circuit panel to be sure all your
connections are correct and tight, at times your electrical
service should be replaced if old or degraded which would also
save money. At times interior wiring may need to be upgraded
also.
What
is the difference between soft white, daylight and compact
fluorescent bulbs for light quality and energy efficiency?
Compact fluorescent lights are the most efficient. Soft white
and daylight are color shades that fluorescent bulbs emit.
Soft white is a gentle shade of light whereas daylight is just
what it says, it's like being outside in the day light. Light
quality from fluorescent is a lower level of light force than
incandescent.
Can
I use an extension cord to run my swimming pool?
No, this is a major hazard and should never be considered.
Do I need Ground fault
outlets in my garage?
Yes, they are required in garages, outside, kitchens, bathrooms,
pools, hot tubs, and any area subject to cause electric shock.
I have 2 prong outlets
in my home. What will it take to change them to 3 prong?
A GFCI outlet can replace a 2 prong outlet as long as it is
properly marked for no ground or a separate ground wire can be
run from the outlet to a water pipe and attached to the ground
screw on the 3 prong outlet.
Can I use multiple power
strips on my electronic equipment?
As long as they aren't overloaded. A better solution is to
install a separate circuit to supply power to all of your
equipment which will provide better protection.
Are all extension cords
the same?
No, the lower the wire gauge # the better the cord. For instance
a 14 gauge cord can handle a heaver load than a 16 gauge cord.
