Electricity. We depend on it almost as much as we depend on the availability of air, water and food. We take it for granted just as much even though it has this one difference - electricity can kill.

Each year, hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured in the U.S. alone in preventable electricity-related accidents in home,recreational and workplace environments. Yet our dependence on electricity grows, making accident prevention more and more critical. One of the best instruments for prevention is education.

With that in mind, each year in May, Orrville Utilities partners with the Electrical Safety Foundation International and promotes National Electrical Safety Month. The aim of this partnership is to promote electrical safety awareness not just in May but in everyday life throughout our lives, in the home, school and workplace. May is National Electrical Safety Month, but electrical safety is every hour of every day of every year.

The Facts About Electrical Safety

What are the latest statistics on residential safety injuries?

The latest figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that there were 400 total accidental electrocutions in 2000, 150 related to consumer products. Twenty-nine of those related to large appliances like air conditioners, pumps, water heaters, furnaces and clothes dryers.  Another 22 involved ladders contacting overhead power lines.  Seventeen involved small appliances such as microwave ovens, electric fans, extension cords and televisions, 15 involved power tools, 12 involved lighting equipment, 10 involved contact with installed household wiring.  Another 30 involved a variety of other products such as sports and recreational equipment, lawn and garden equipment, antennas, pipes, poles and fences.  The CPSC statistics show that approximately 8,700 were treated for electric shock injuries in 2000; this doesn’t include untold numbers who didn’t seek medical help or whose injuries, though of electrical origin, were reported simply as “burns” or “falls”.

But that is only part of the story. According to CPSC, statistics indicate that an annual average of 165,380 electrical-related home structure fires, taking an average of 910 lives, injuring nearly 7,000 and causing nearly $1.7 billion in property damage.

How can consumers help protect themselves from electrocution and electrical-related injuries?

Consumers should check for problems with their home electrical systems, and be vigilant for electrical hazards around the home and the workplace, like cracked or fraying cords, overheating cords and wall plates, and the presence of overhead and buried power lines when working outdoors. Check outlets and circuits to be sure they aren’t overloaded. Make sure to use only the proper wattage light bulbs in light fixtures and lamps. Use extension cords only on a temporary basis.

Consumers should also remember to test their smoke alarms and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) monthly. Replace smoke detector batteries twice a year. Always follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions on all electrical items.

If you have an old house with old wiring, how do you know if repairs are necessary? How extensively and costly can such repairs be?

Electrical systems age and deteriorate just like any man-made product, and as they get older, need to be monitored more frequently. As homes grow in their dependence on electricity with the addition of rooms, appliances large and small, and entertainment and computer equipment, electrical systems designed to handle lower electrical demands expected at an earlier point in time can become overburdened and problems can develop.

We recommend electrical inspections for the following:

• any house more than 40 years old.

• any house 10 years old or older that has had any major renovation or major appliance added.

• for any home at the time of sale so the new owner has a comprehensive understanding of the home’s electrical system and its condition.

An “electrical inspection” is different from a “home inspection” in that it comprehensively covers only the electrical system, whereas the home inspection goes skin-deep on the structure, plumbing, electrical system and other aspects of the house. A qualified licensed electrician can do the inspection.

The inspection will help identify problems like frequently blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, loose connections at outlets, older and deteriorating wiring, and outdated and overburdened electrical service. Repairs could be minor and nominal in cost, such as the cleaning and tightening of connections or the addition of outlets, or more involved running into several thousand dollars, such as the addition of circuits and subpanels, replacement of degraded wiring, or, particularly with older homes, a “heavy-up” - that is, upgrading the electrical service from, for example, 60 amp service to 100 amp service. A qualified licensed electrician can determine if repairs or upgrades are necessary and can estimate the cost.

How does a three-prong plug work? What is the benefit of using it?

The third prong on a plug provides a path to ground for electricity that is straying or leaking from a product. This helps protect the equipment and can help prevent electric shock. Consumers should never remove or bend the third prong to fit a two-slot outlet. Use an adapter or find an appropriate three-slot outlet. Note that GFCIs are required in some places and recommended in others, even if the product has a third wire to ground it. Under some conditions, a shock hazard could still exist even if a product has a grounding wire.

How does a polarized plug work? What is the benefit of using it?

A polarized plug is a plug with one large or wide prong and one narrow one. It ensures that the plug is inserted correctly in a socket and reduces the risk of electrical shock. Consumers should never force a polarized plug into a non-polarized outlet, or shave the wide prong down to fit. Use an adapter or find an appropriate polarized outlet.

What is the device now found on the plugs of such appliances as hair dryers?

The large box-like device found on the ends of some appliance cords could be an appliance leakage circuit interrupter (ALCI), an immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Though they work in different ways, they all protect the user against accidental electric shock and electrocution by acting immediately to shut off power to the appliance upon the detection of a “leak” of electric current as may happen when a hair dryer falls into a sinkful of water. Even with these devices, if that happens, unplug the device or shut off power to the circuit before reaching in to retrieve the appliance.

What size extension cords should a consumer use? How can you tell if an extension cord is appropriate for the intended use?

Before purchasing an extension cord, consumers should consider how the cord will be used. Make sure the rating on the cord is the same as or higher than the number of watts needed by the product that will be plugged into the cord. Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring and should always be used outdoors only if rated for outdoor use.

Electricity in the Neighborhood

We can be vigilant and observant about electricity around the house, but we need to remember to keep up the effort when we go outside. Particularly as warm weather returns and spring gardening, landscaping, lawn care and outdoor household maintenance fill the week-end schedule, and as children head outside to play, there are some things we need to keep in mind. To help, remember this phrase: Look Up, Look Down, and Look Out!

Look Up! Overhead Power Lines

More than 10% of all accidental residential electrocutions in 1998 were related to antennas and ladders. When using ladders around the house while installing or taking down radio and CB antennas, cleaning windows and gutters, painting the house, or trimming trees in the yard, be mindful of overhead power lines. Here are a few myths and answers to common questions:

• Birds land on wires, so they must be safe to touch. Birds don’t get electrocuted when they land on wires because they don’t represent a path to ground. Remember that electricity wants nothing more than go to ground and will always do so by the easiest most direct route. A bird on a wire doesn’t give electricity anywhere to go but back to the wire — easier for the current to stay right where it is in the wire and continue on its way.

A ladder, pole or even a wet string coming near or in contact with a power line will provide electric current with a new path to ground. If you are in contact with those things as well, you may become part of the path and be electrocuted or severely injured.

• Power lines are insulated, so they’re safe to touch. Not so fast. Many overhead power lines are insulated only to a level to prevent problems from incidental tree contact. They are usually not fully insulated to prevent injury to people. In fact , what you think is insulation might just be oxidation on the conductor of a uninsulated line! Don’t touch!

• As long as my ladder isn’t metal. It’s safe to rest on the power line. Electricity wants a conductor. Yes, metal is an excellent conductor and so metal ladders are a natural hazard around overhead power lines. But so is water. Any moisture on or in wood can conduct. In fact, no matter what the ladder is made of, if it’s wet or can get wet, it represents a potential hazard. Most ladders will contain metal parts as well. Be safe — keep all ladders away from overhead power lines. (Incidentally, you are made up of 70% water and are an excellent conductor.)

• As long as my ladder isn’t touching the line, I’m safe. Maybe. Depends on how far away your ladder and you are from the line. Electricity can jump and often does when a potential conductor like a metal ladder comes within a certain proximity that depends on the weather conditions, the voltage of the power line, and other factors. Be safe, and keep well away — at least ten feet — from overhead power lines.

• I’m just trimming my tree limbs, in fact, to keep them clear of the power lines. I won’t be using a ladder so I don’t need to worry. Actually, there’s plenty to worry about. Remember, electricity doesn’t need metal. The moisture in the tree and in you will do nicely, thank you. Move a limb enough to come into contact with the line, and electricity has a direct path to ground through the tree and you! Better call us, or a professional for their assistance with the job. You survive and have more time for the hammock!

Look Down! Buried Power Lines

In some communities, electrical power and other utilities, like gas and cable, are delivered to the home via underground lines. Once the trenches are covered over and the lawn is grown, in most cases you can’t tell exactly where those lines are located. So, before you go digging in your yard, to make sure you don’t damage a line and potentially harm yourself, your family, friends and neighbors, call your local utility protection center to have them come out and mark the lines for you. It’s free and usually only takes a couple of days before the lines are marked either with spray paint or small flags. You can find your local utility protection center through the National Referral Center at 1-888-258-0808.

• I’m just digging a couple of inches in the ground. I really don’t need to worry about the lines. How long ago were those lines laid? How has the ground shifted in that time? Is it possible you might accidentally push your shovel deeper than you intended? Err on the side of caution — make the call.

• I know where the lines are from the last time I did some landscaping. I’ll work from memory. Hope your memory is good or your family has good memories of you. Unless the lines are still marked from the last job, err on the side of caution and make the call.

• The lines are marked, my job is near but not on top of the lines. I’m safe to dig away. The ground maps are approximate and the person doing the marking may not be exact. Once the lines are marked, do any digging that comes within 24 inches of either side of the markers, with care and by hand. Buried lines are insulated and won’t be dangerous to touch, but can be damaged and become dangerous by the blade of a shovel or any sharp object.

Look Out! Residential Electrical Equipment

Many electric utility distribution systems involve pad-mounted switchgear and transformers at ground level. This equipment is part of the system of delivery of electricity to the neighborhood and individual homes, taking power down from high voltage lines to the low voltage inside your home. Painted in tones to blend in and set amid landscaping so as not to disturb neighborhood aesthetics, they seem innocuous, harmless, and left alone and unmolested, they are. But children who play on or around them may purposefully or accidentally break open the cabinet locks and doors, exposing themselves and others to real danger. This equipment should have yellow warning labels affixed to them indicating an electrical hazard.

• What is that mysterious big green metal box behind the hedge on the corner? It may be electrical equipment installed there by the utility company to help deliver electricity to your home form the high voltage lines near your neighborhood. This should be marked with yellow labels as an electrical hazard and children should be taught to leave them alone.

• If the utility company put it there in the middle of a residential neighborhood, it must be safe to be around. Yes, they are generally safe. However, if the equipment or its casing has been damaged due to vandals, careless landscapers or other causes, a potential hazard may exist. Children should be taught not to enter the equipment or investigate and to tell an adult right away so the utility company can be notified immediately.

• I’m afraid to go near it or touch it, particularly with anything metal. The current-carrying parts of pad-mounted equipment are securely locked inside the cabinet and pose no hazard to the public. Infrequently, however, vandalism or other occurrences may cause the access door to be ajar. In this case, avoid touching any part of the equipment and notify the utility company immediately.

• How would a young child know to stay away? The enclosures should have pictorial warning labels clearly visible that have been designed and tested to communicate a sense of danger to children even too young to read. These labels and clear instructions by parents, teachers, and other adults are key to keeping children our of harm’s way.

Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug 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. 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. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard, or to another object. Do not place cords in high traffic areas or under carpets or rugs or beneath furniture. Check to see that the cords are not overloaded. 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.

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. 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 same size fuse. Create a circuit map that clearly identifies all outlets, fixtures and major appliances each circuit serves.

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. Make sure entertainment centers and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for ventilation.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible material such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture, and rugs. Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug when not in use. Plug space heaters directly into the outlet; do not use an extension cord. Use a circuit with as little on it as possible; space heaters can take a lot of power.

Halogen Floor Lamps

Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures that 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. Floor lamps that use cooler, more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs are available.

Outdoor Safety

Electric-powered mowers and other 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 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 our for overhead wires and power lines.

During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e. hair dryers, toasters, radios) or telephones (except in an emergency), and 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 and appliances. For areas with a high occurrence of lightning, consider installing a surge arrestor for whole house protection.

Remember — Water and Electricity Don’t Mix

Don’t leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into 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 panelboard 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.

• Plan every job and think about what could go wrong.

• Use the right tools for the job.

• Use procedures, drawings, and other documents to do the job.

• Isolate equipment from energy sources.

• Identify the electric shock and arc flash, as well as other hazards that may be present.

• Minimize hazards by guarding or establishing approach limitations.

• Test every circuit and every conductor each time before you touch it.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense in case something goes wrong.

• Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.

• Work on electrical equipment and conductors only when de-energized, unless procedures and safeguards have been established to ensure zero exposure for the worker and other people in the area.

• Lockout/tagout and ground (where appropriate) before working on equipment

• Treat de-energized electrical equipment and conductors as energized until lockout/tagout, test, and ground procedures (where appropriate) are implemented.

• Wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools in areas where there are possible electrical hazards.

• De-energize and visibly guard (where possible) whenever contact with uninsulated overhead power lines is possible.

• Check and double check safety regulations when a ladder or parts of any vehicle or mechanical equipment structure will be elevated near energized overhead power lines. Call us for assistance. People standing on the ground may be particularly vulnerable to possible injury.

Cords, Equipment, and Tool Grounding

• Protect flexible cords and cables from physical damage. Check cords for cut, broken, or cracked insulation.

• Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electric terminals.

• Make sure the insulating qualities of a splice are equal to or greater than the original cord.

• Extension cords are for temporary use. Install permanent wiring when use is no longer temporary.

• Verify that all three-wire tools and equipment are grounded.

• Water, electrical equipment, and power cords do not mix! Use GFCI protection in wet or damp environments.

• Ground exposed parts of fixed equipment that could be energized.

• Use non-conductive tools whenever possible.

• Always double check the operation of your voltage testers by testing a live circuit.

Other Considerations

• Verify location of all buried or embedded electrical circuits before digging or cutting.

• Determine the reason that a fuse operated or circuit breaker tripped before replacing or resetting.

• Know where your over current devices are (i.e. circuit breakers and fuses) so they can be easily and quickly reached in case of emergency.

• When replacing lamps and bulbs, verify that the replacement matches fixture requirements.