Sunday 24 June 2012

Electrical safety in the home

Home Electrical Safety should be a Priority in Every Household


TAMPERPROOF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Help Prevent Child Injury in Your Home

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data show that approximately 2,400 children are injured in incidents related to electrical receptacles each year. This equates to about seven children every day. Injuries range from electric shock to first-, second and third degree burns, with some rare cases proving fatal.
In response to these statistics the National Electrical Code® (NEC) has been revised (with the 2008 edition)—including a requirement for all receptacles in newly constructed residential units to be tamper-resistant.
It’s ‘Now’ In Many Places!
Most states and municipalities adopt new code editions within two years, and leading manufacturers of electrical wiring devices for the home have a Tamper Proof and Tamper Resistant receptacle outlets available with a variety of types and styles to choose from.

The adoption of tamper-resistant devices indicate that about 50% of the state have begun adopting these devices starting in 2008.Some major manufacturers have produced tamper-resistant products for years and are well prepared for the Code requirements.

GFI Features and Benefits


GFCI protection is required in areas of the home to help protect against electrical shock in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, garage and outdoor.

Considerations for GFCI Devices

  • Periodic testing will ensure that GFCI outlets are working correctly.

    Even though a GFCI outlet is supplying electricity the GFCI protection may not be functioning properly. Using the Test and Reset buttons will reveal weather the GFCI outlet is functioning properly or need to be replaced with another GFCI outlet.
  • Proper wiring of GFCI receptacle outlets is essential for proper protection and functionality. The LINE and LOAD connections to the GFCI device must be made correctly otherwise ground fault protection may work.
Tamper Resistant Outlet Receptacles


• A recent study conducted for the CPSC showed 86% of reported electrical injuries
involved children age one to four.

Mealtime was the usual time at which these injuries occurred.

• Most frequently, the children injured inserted foreign objects into electrical outlets—including keys and hairpins.

100% of 2- and 4-year-olds could remove protectors with a 1/16th-inch-thick oval face and a flat side.

47% of 4-year-olds and 31% of 2-year-olds could remove protectors with a round, flat face and two prongs.

47% of 4-year-olds and 18% of 2-yearolds were able to remove protectors with a 3/16-inch-thick oval face and a tapered side. What The NEC Now Says The revision, taking effect with the 2008 NEC, says: “406.11 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units. In all areas specified in 210. 52. all 125-volt. 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles. Also in 1997 (according to the State Farm write-up), the Bio kinetics Research Laboratory (at Tampa University) put 37 children to work at playing with plastic outlet protectors.

Here’s what was found:
“Substantiation: 210.52 specifies the areas in dwelling units where receptacles shall be installed. This proposal references those areas.”
A TAMPER-RESISTANT LINE
Several manufacturers provide an outstanding line of tamper resistant products that use a patented, UL-listed shutter system to protect children from injury. However, the shutters don’t impair normal plug insertion, removal, or function.

Safety features include Tamper-Resistant Hallway Light/ Receptacle Combination Devices and Decorator Receptacles, and the Tamper-Resistant GFCI. In addition to these features tamper-resistant versions of all receptacles may be used in residential installations.

of course, you should always use the services of a qualified langford electrical contractor, or a victoria electrician. Visit us at: 

 www.absolutelyelectrical.com
victoria electrician
langford electrical
electrical contractor victoria

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