HOMEHOME

ELECTRICAL SAFETYELECTRICAL SAFETY

Electrical System InspectionElectrical System Inspection

If your last inspection is: ^ 40 or more years ago, inspection is overdue.

^10-40 years ago, inspection is advisable, especially if substantial electrical loads (high-wattage

appliances, lights and wall outlets or extension cords) have been added or if some of the warning signs discussed are present.

^ Less than 10 years ago, inspection may not be needed, unless some of the warning signs, described are present or temporary wiring has been added.

Electrical System InspectionElectrical System Inspection

You may live in an area that is not served by state or local electrical inspectors, so that no inspection record will be found on your electrical panel. In that case, use the age of the house as guide to the probable need for an inspection.

Appliance Power BudgetAppliance Power Budget

Circuits can only handle a specified total wattage of all the electrical products connected to that circuit. If too much wattage is plugged into a circuit, serious electrical problems can result. Here is a guide to knowing what a circuit can handle: 15-ampere branch circuit can carry 1500 watts.

20-ampere branch circuit can carry 2000 watts.

Examples (in Watts)Examples (in Watts)

Hair Dryer . . . . 1400 Deep Fat Fryer . .1300Hair Dryer . . . . 1400 Deep Fat Fryer . .1300

Iron . . . . . . . . . . 1000 Portable Fan . . . . .150Iron . . . . . . . . . . 1000 Portable Fan . . . . .150

Portable Heater . .1200 Television . . . . . . 150Portable Heater . .1200 Television . . . . . . 150

Vacuum Cleaner . 600 Computer . . . . . . .150Vacuum Cleaner . 600 Computer . . . . . . .150

VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Stereo System . . . . 30VCR . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Stereo System . . . . 30

CordsCords

Q. Are lamp, extension, telephone and other Q. Are lamp, extension, telephone and other cords placed out of the flow of traffic? cords placed out of the flow of traffic?

• Cords stretched across walkways may cause Cords stretched across walkways may cause someone to trip. someone to trip.

• When possible, arrange furniture so outlets are When possible, arrange furniture so outlets are available for lamps, entertainment products, or available for lamps, entertainment products, or appliances. appliances.

• Extension cords should not be used as a Extension cords should not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.substitute for permanent wiring.

CordsCords

Q. Are cords out from beneath furniture and Q. Are cords out from beneath furniture and rugs or carpeting?rugs or carpeting?

• Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting.Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting.• Replace damaged or frayed cords. Replace damaged or frayed cords.

Q. Are cords attached to the walls, Q. Are cords attached to the walls, baseboards, etc. w/nails or staples?baseboards, etc. w/nails or staples?

• Remove nails & staples from cords after.Remove nails & staples from cords after.• Check wiring for damage.Check wiring for damage.• Use tape if to attach cords to walls or floors.Use tape if to attach cords to walls or floors.

CordsCords

Q. Are electrical cords in good condition, not Q. Are electrical cords in good condition, not frayed or cracked?frayed or cracked?

• Replace frayed or cracked cords.Replace frayed or cracked cords.• Do not use frayed electrical cordsDo not use frayed electrical cords

Q. Do extension cords carry no more than Q. Do extension cords carry no more than their proper load, as indicated by the ratings their proper load, as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord and the appliance?labeled on the cord and the appliance?

• Replace No. 18 gauge cords with No. 16 gauge Replace No. 18 gauge cords with No. 16 gauge cords. Older extension cords using small (No. 18 cords. Older extension cords using small (No. 18 gauge) wires can overheat at 15 amps or 20 amps.gauge) wires can overheat at 15 amps or 20 amps.

• Change higher rate or unplug some appliances, if Change higher rate or unplug some appliances, if the rating on the cord is exceeded. the rating on the cord is exceeded.

• Use an extension cord having a sufficient amp or Use an extension cord having a sufficient amp or wattage rating, if an extension cord is needed.wattage rating, if an extension cord is needed.

CordsCords

Cordsords

• Use cords with polarized or three-prong Use cords with polarized or three-prong plugs.plugs.

• 3 Buy only cords certified by Underwriters 3 Buy only cords certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek Testing Services Laboratories (UL), Intertek Testing Services (ITS), or Canadian Standards Association (ITS), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) (CSA)

Q. Are heaters that come with a 3-prong plug Q. Are heaters that come with a 3-prong plug being used in a 3-hole outlet or with a being used in a 3-hole outlet or with a properly attached adapter?properly attached adapter?

• Never defeat the grounding featureNever defeat the grounding feature• Use an adapter to connect the heater’s 3-prong Use an adapter to connect the heater’s 3-prong

plug, if you do not have a 3-hole outlet. Make sure plug, if you do not have a 3-hole outlet. Make sure the adapter ground wire or tab is attached to the the adapter ground wire or tab is attached to the outlet.outlet.

CordsCords

Space HeatersSpace Heaters

Q. Are heaters placed where they cannot be Q. Are heaters placed where they cannot be knocked over, and away from furnishings knocked over, and away from furnishings and flammable materials, such as curtains and flammable materials, such as curtains or rugs?or rugs?

• Relocate heaters away from passageways and Relocate heaters away from passageways and flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, furniture or newspaper. furniture or newspaper.

WHATS WRONG?WHATS WRONG?

•Electrical cord under rug •Too bright a bulb in lamp •Dad pulling vacuum cord •Outlet overloaded •Too many electronics •Dad vacuuming