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Outlets
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting
plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire.
Replace any missing or broken wall plates.
Make sure there are safety covers on all
unused outlets that are accessible to
children.
Cords
Make sure cords are in good condition—not
frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed
out of traffic areas. Cords should never be
nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or
to another object. Do not place cords under
carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on
them.
Extension Cords
Check to see that cords are not overloaded.
Additionally, extension cords should only be
used on a temporary basis; they are not
intended as permanent household wiring. Make
sure extension cords have safety closures to
help prevent young children from shock
hazards and mouth burn injuries.
Plugs
Make sure your plugs fit your outlets. Never
remove the ground pin (the third prong) to
make a three-prong fit a two-conductor
outlet; this could lead to an electrical
shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF
IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely
into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with
too many appliances.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs can help prevent electrocution. They
should be used in any area where water and
electricity may come into contact. When a
GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical
circuit, it assumes a ground fault has
occurred. It then interrupts power fast
enough to help prevent serious injury from
electrical shock. Test GFCIs according to
the manufacturer's instructions monthly and
after major electrical storms to make sure
they are working properly. Replace all GFCIs
that are not working properly, but never
replace a GFCI with a standard non-GFCI
outlet or circuit breaker. Do not use an
appliance or device that trips a GFCI on a
nonGFCI-protected circuit; instead, take the
appliance to authorized repair center to be
checked for faulty wiring or replace it.
Light Bulbs
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light
fixtures to make sure they are the correct
wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace
bulbs that have higher wattage than
recommended; if you don't know the correct
wattage, check with the manufacturer of the
fixture. Make sure bulbs are screwed in
securely; loose bulbs may overheat.
Circuit Breakers/Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses should be the
correct size current rating for their
circuit. If you do not know the correct
size, have an electrician identify and label
the size to be used. Always replace a fuse
with the correctly specified size fuse.
Water and Electricity Don't Mix
Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they
might fall in contact with water. If a
plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER
reach in to pull it out—even if it's turned
off. First turn off the power source at the
panel board and then unplug the appliance.
If you have an appliance that has gotten
wet, don't use it until it has been checked
by a qualified repair person.
Appliances
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse,
trips a circuit breaker or if it has given
you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired
or replaced.
Entertainment/Computer Equipment
Check to see that the equipment is in good
condition and working properly. Look for
cracks or damage in wiring, plugs and
connectors. Use a surge protector bearing
the seal of a nationally recognized
certification agency.
Outdoor Safety
Electric-powered mowers and other electric
tools should not be used in the rain, on wet
grass or in wet conditions. Inspect power
tools and electric lawn mowers before each
use for frayed power cords, broken plugs and
cracked or broken housings. If any part is
damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair
it or replace it. Always use an extension
cord marked for outdoor use and rated for
the power needs of your tools. Remember to
unplug all portable power tools when not in
use. When using ladders, watch out for
overhead wires and power lines.
Ladders
When using ladders, avoid contact with
overhead wires and power lines. Stay at
least 10 feet from all lines.
Lightning
During an electrical storm, do not use
appliances (i.e., hairdryers, toasters and
radios) or telephones (except in an
emergency); do not take a bath or shower;
keep batteries on hand for flashlights and
radios in case of a power outage; and use
surge protectors on electronic devices,
appliances, phones, fax machines and modems.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are meant to supply
supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at
least 3 ft. away from any combustible
materials such as bedding, clothing,
draperies, furniture and rugs. Don't use in
rooms where children are unsupervised and
remember to turn off and unplug when not in
use. Do not use space heaters with extension
cords; plug directly into an outlet on a
relatively unburdened circuit.
Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher
temperatures than a standard incandescent
light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp
where it could come in contact with
draperies, clothing or other combustible
materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off
whenever you leave the room for an extended
period of time and never use torchiere lamps
in children's bedrooms or playrooms.
Consider using cooler fluorescent floor
lamps.
Wiring
Unless you are qualified and experienced in
electrical work, consider hiring a licensed
electrician for electrical repairs,
maintenance and installations. If you elect
to perform such work, make sure you follow
these safety basics:
Never work on or around “hot” lines. Always
de-energize lines and equipment by
disconnecting from the power source at the
circuit breakers or fuses. Don't forget to
test every conductor before you make contact
with it.
Never use the ground wire as the neutral or
circuit-carrying conductor. The ground wire
is not designed to carry current
continuously, but briefly under an abnormal
condition. The neutral wire is designed as a
current carrier and can carry as much
current as the hot wire. Use a strip gauge
on devices to strip the proper length of
insulation from wires. Too little risks the
screw tightening on plastic insulation; too
much leaves bare wires that can cause a
dangerous contact. When using wire
connectors, be sure the insulation on the
wires is completely covered by the wire
connector.
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