Safety
I'm building an addition on my house, what safety precautions I should take?
Are there special extension cords to use outside?
What is the 3rd prong on a cord for? Can I remove it?
How do Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) work?
How do shocks occur?
What common shock and fire hazards that I should be on the look out for?
Why should I have an Electrical Inspection?
What is the Ontario Electrical Safety Code?
What are ground faults? Why are they dangerous?
What do I do if I'm in a car accident involving power lines?
My new house uses fuses, how do I change them?
How does a polarized plug work?
A:
First you should contact Utilities Kingston to find out where electrical cables are buried before you do any major digging. Make sure that you use the service of a licensed electrician.
[Top]
A:
Yes, there are extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Make sure that you always protect your extension cords outdoors and avoid putting the cord where it may be walked on or driven over. Keep electrical cords and appliances away from water and wet areas. Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
[Top]
A:
The third prong on a cord is a safety feature that acts as a ground. Never remove the 3rd prong! Cords shouldn't be used if they show signs of damage such as loose prongs, splits in the plastic casing (cord jacket), or if they heat up when in use.
[Top]
A:
GFCI's monitor the flow of current to and from appliances. If there's an imbalance in the flow, current may be leaking and traveling through you, and the GFCI will immediately stop the flow of electricity.
GFCI outlets are recommended for all outdoor use, bathrooms and laundry rooms to minimize the risk of electrical shock. They are required by law for new electrical installations around swimming pools and for all residential bathrooms, and outdoor outlets in new homes
An electrical contractor can install Ground Faults Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
[Top]
A:
Electricity will always find the easiest path to the ground, even if it means flowing through another object like metal, water or even a human body! Since the human body is 70% water, if you touch a live wire or faulty appliance while you are grounded, the electricity will go through you giving you a harmful shock
[Top]
A:
Some of the most commonly found shock and fire hazards are:
- Improperly installed lighting. Do your lights dim when an appliance goes on?
- Faulty or temporary wiring
- Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently.
- Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded. Overloading can cause overheating and lead to fire.
- Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.
- Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.
- Remember to test their smoke detectors and to replace smoke detector batteries annually.
[Top]
A:
An electrical inspector will examine your home's wiring ensure that it is safe and meets the Electrical Safety Code. If there are any problems, the Inspector will point out what needs to be taken care of to keep your home safe.
[Top]
A:
The Ontario Electrical Safety Code was developed to keep residents and businesses in Ontario safe from electrical shock and fire hazards. If you are building in Ontario or purchasing new electrical equipment, it is important to know how the Electrical Safety Code impacts you.
[Top]
A:
A ground fault in an electrical circuit, tool, appliance or cord allows the electrical current to escape through faulty wiring, it will find the path of least resistance to the ground. This path could be through your body. If you are standing in water, or touching a sink or conductive material you become an excellent conductor for the electrical current. This can result in serious injury or death.
[Top]
A:
If you are in an accident that involves a power line, stay in your car until help arrives. If it is not possible to stay in your car, due to fire, then jump out of your car making sure to keep both feet together. Then shuffle away, make sure to not touch your car again once you are on the ground. This will give any electricity flowing through the car a chance to go through you. Do not try to help someone else out of the car, this will put you both in jeopardy.
[Top]
A:
Before changing a fuse, unplug appliances on the overloaded circuit and turn off the main switch. Install the proper size fuse.
There are two types of fuses, identified by the letters "P" or "D." The "P" fuse (heat sensitive) is recommended on all general circuits, especially those to appliances that heat but aren't motorized such as water heaters, baseboard heaters and ranges. Time delay or dual element fuses, identified by the letter "D", should only be used for large motorized appliances - clothes dryers, furnaces, refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners. "D" fuses should not be used on general lighting circuits.
Be aware of warning signals that could lead to fuse box or circuit breaker problems. Contact your electrician if circuit breakers trip or fuses repeatedly blow for no apparent reason, or if you detect rust in the fuse box. Overheating, discoloration in the fuse box or flickering lights are also danger signals.
[Top]
A:
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.
[Top]