Do it yourself projects can be fun, but they can also be hazardous. When you work around electricity you must be careful, being shocked can cause injury or even death. Please read through our electrical safety tips and hazards to get a good idea of what to do or not to do. If you have an electric problem or emergency and would like to speak to a qualified electrician now, feel free to call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week - 1-800-724-8232.

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Electrical Safety Tips and Hazards

Each year hundreds of people die and thousands more are injured in accidents involving electrical fires or shocks. Most of these incidents can be prevented by following simple electrical-safety rules.

Do not attempt to adjust, test or make a repair if you do not have the basic repair skills or if you do not fully understand the directions provided in this web site. Furthermore, if your appliance, device, project, object of repair or its components differ from those described, you should not attempt the repair based upon the provided instructions. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from ours, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always wear eye protection and protective clothing or gear, as directed by a service manual or an install guide.

*Electric Shock can cause Injury or DEATH:

NEVER ASSUME the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance or turning off the power at the breaker or fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power. Some devices can store a hazardous electrical charge even when disconnected from an electrical source, always discharge these devices before attempting service. If you are unfamiliar with a device or its components, consult with a professional before attempting service.

When working with electrical equipment wear rubber-soled shoes, avoid damp locations and hold all tools by their insulated handles. Never touch conductive surfaces such as pipes or metal bracing. Use a non-conductive fiberglass ladder when working with electricity. Avoid shorting electrical circuits.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

• If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker is tripped, don't just replace or reset it. Find out what caused the circuit to overload and correct the problem.
  
• Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds the amperage rating for a given circuit.
  
• Avoid using several high-amperage appliances - such as irons or other heat-producing appliances - on the same circuit.
  
• Never replace a fuse with a penny or any other material that conducts electricity.

Electrical Outlets

• Have a professional electrician replace old or damaged outlets with modern, three-wired, polarized receptacles. Proper grounding is essential to minimize fire and shock hazards.
  
• Plugs should match outlets. Three-pronged plugs require three-wired receptacles or a properly grounded adapter. Polarized plugs (now standard), with one prong wider than the other, require polarized receptacles.
  
• Never cut off or bend the ground pin of a three-pronged plug. This ground connection protects you from severe shock caused by a faulty cord or malfunctioning appliance.
  
• Never alter the wide prong of a polarized plug to make it fit into an outdated outlet. Have the outlet replaced and properly grounded.
  
• Protect children from electrical shock by installing plastic safety inserts in unused outlets.

Appliances

• All household appliances should bear the label of an independent testing laboratory, indicating that they meet basic safety standards.
  
• Keep heat-producing appliances, such as electric space heaters, electric ranges, and irons at least three feet (one meter) away from furniture, curtains, bedding, or anything that will burn.
  
• Allow plenty of air space around televisions, computers, and stereos to prevent overheating.
  
• Keep electrical cords away from heat-producing appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers.
  
• Be sure that detachable appliance cords, such as those used with coffee makers, deep-fat fryers, and popcorn poppers are rated for the electrical-load requirements of the appliance.

Electrical Cords

• Keep electrical cords out of traffic paths and away from areas where children play.
  
• Maintain all electrical cords. Replace any cord that is cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged.
  
• Never pinch an electrical cord against walls or furniture.
  
• Do not run extension cords under carpets or across doorways.

Outdoor Power

• Use only weatherproof fixtures and GFCI outlets with weatherproof covers for outdoor installations.
  
• Never run outdoor extension cords across lawns for seasonal lighting displays or run any extension cord across driveways or traffic areas.
  
• Never use electrical appliances outdoors in wet weather or when the ground or grass is wet, unless the appliance is specifically designed and labeled by an independent testing lab for such use.
  
• Appliances used outdoors should be plugged into receptacles protected by ground fault circuit interrupters

Lighting

• Place lamps on level, uncluttered surfaces and be sure that lampshades are secure enough to protect the bulb from breaking if the lamp is knocked over.
  
• Light bulbs should not exceed the wattage recommended for a lamp or fixture.

Power Lines

• Report downed power lines and mark the area to warn others.
  
• Never go near or touch a power line. Doing so can result in a fatal shock or severe injury.
  
• Keep ladders, especially metal ones, away from power lines. This includes overhead electrical service to your home.

Warning Signs

You can spot many electrical problems before they cause a fire or shock. Be alert to the following danger signs:

• Recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
• Feeling a tingle when you touch an electrical seasonal light.
• Discoloration of wall outlets.
• A burning smell or unusual odor coming from an appliance or wiring.
• Sizzling sound at wall switches or outlets.
• Flickering lights.

If you cannot locate a problem inside your home, call your power company or an electrician immediately to inspect the electrical connection to your home at your electric meter. (Outdoor meters are extremely vulnerable to weather damage.)

When you spot a warning sign, don't wait for an accident. Take action at once. Unplug a malfunctioning appliance if you can do so safely. If necessary, cut off the power to a problem circuit by disconnecting the fuse or tripping the circuit breaker manually. If you need help with any of the following procedures - Please give us a call!

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