More Than A Number

It’s easy to put one’s electrical safety at risk without even realizing it. But with a little caution and awareness of certain hazards, residential electrical safety becomes an easy proposition.

• Don’t overload circuits. Whether getting a little too overzealous with Christmas decorations or simply plugging too many devices into the same outlet, this one is a common mistake. Circuits can handle only so much, typically 15 to 20 amps in most homes. Overloading a circuit with a load that’s greater than 80% of the circuit’s capacity creates a hazard—not to mention the danger posed by the mass of cords protruding from a single outlet. The easiest way to prevent this is to purchase a surge protector as well as avoid plugging several devices into one circuit.
• When working on an electrical device, be sure to shut off the power to the circuit before beginning. Once the circuit is turned off, it is even advisable to test it to ensure that it is off and eliminate the possibility of electrical shock.
• Avoid wet areas. This one’s a no-brainer. The impurities in water such as dust and salts are excellent conductors of electricity. As a result, even touching a frayed cord with wet hands could be dangerous. If you must work in wet conditions, however, be sure to don rubber boots/gloves and use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs work much like Cutler Hammer circuit breakers and other types of circuit breakers, sensing differences in an electrical current and shutting off power to a circuit to prevent shock. 

For more information about electrical safety, contact the experts at All Breakers, supplier of new and reconditioned GE circuit breakers, Square D breakers, Westinghouse breakers, and more. In addition to handling circuit breakers, we can also test electrical equipment for functionality and safety.