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3300 Kellystone Drive, Monroe, NC 28110 704.507.0730
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Safety Tips
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 your Charlotte electrician 24 hours a day 7 days a week -
704.507.0730.
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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Charlotte Electrician License NC Lic.#23991-U SC Lic. # MASC004170303 LLR547538 |
