Electrical Safety Standards Many Ignore

Introduction

Electricity is incredibly useful, but also potentially very dangerous if proper safety standards are not followed. As an electrician, I have seen time and time again how many common electrical safety guidelines are ignored, often leading to unnecessary risks and hazards. In this article, I will go over some of the key electrical safety standards that both homeowners and professionals unfortunately overlook far too often. My goal is to raise awareness on these important but neglected safety topics to help prevent electrical fires, shocks, electrocutions and other dangers.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

One of the most important and overlooked electrical safety standards is the use of ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs for short. GFCIs are special outlets and circuit breakers designed to immediately shut off power if a ground fault is detected, helping prevent serious shocks. However, many ignore key guidelines for proper GFCI use:

GFCIs Should Be Used for Any Wet or Damp Location

• GFCIs must be used for any receptacle near water sources like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pools, hot tubs and more. Shockingly, unprotected outlets near water are very common.

Regular Testing is Crucial

• GFCIs should be tested monthly by pressing the "test" button to confirm they trip when needed. I often find untested GFCIs that no longer provide protection.

Both Outlets and Breakers Should Be GFCI-Protected

• For maximum safety, use GFCI breakers plus GFCI outlets. One or the other alone leaves gaps in protection.

Outdoor and Garage Outlets Must Be GFCI-Protected

• Outdoor areas and garages pose shock risks, but uncovered outlets are widespread. All outdoor outlets should be upgraded to GFCI-protection.

GFCIs Must Be Properly Installed

• Improperly wired GFCIs won't work at all. I've seen too many bad DIY installations that give a false sense of safety. Always use a qualified electrician.

In summary, GFCI protection should be far more widespread than it currently is, and installed correctly. Frequent testing is also a must.

AFCI Breakers for Arc Fault Protection

Another important safety standard that often gets ignored are AFCI circuit breakers. AFCIs detect dangerous arc faults that can start electrical fires. But many breaker boxes lack adequate AFCI protection.

All Bedroom Circuits Require AFCI Protection

• Electrical fires are more likely to start undiscovered in bedrooms at night. Make sure all bedroom breakers are upgraded to combination AFCIs.

Other Living Areas Need AFCIs Too

• Living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, etc are also high risk areas overlooked. AFCIs should be used for all general living area circuits.

AFCIs Are Now Required for Most New Construction

• If building a new home, make sure the electrician follows the latest AFCI requirements for all 120v branch circuits.

Test AFCIs Regularly

• Press the "test" button monthly to ensure AFCIs are functioning properly, just like with GFCIs.

They Should Never Be Disabled

• AFCIs can sometimes nuisance trip, but should never be disabled. Doing so removes vital fire protection.

AFCI breakers aren't a luxury - they legitimately save lives and property by preventing electrical fires. All homes and buildings should be adequately protected.

Proper Use of Extension Cords and Power Strips

Extension cords and power strips also present serious hazards when misused. Here are some key guidelines everyone should, but often doesn't, follow:

Don't Overload Cords or Strips

• Overloading can overheat the wires and start fires. Never exceed the rated wattage.

Never Use Indoor-Rated Cords Outdoors

• Outdoor use requires cords specially rated for it. Indoor cords pose shock and fire risks outside.

Don't String Multiple Cords Together

• Chaining extension cords together strains the wires and creates hazards. Use a single long cord instead.

No Permanent Use as Wiring Substitutes

• Extension cords and power strips are temporary solutions only. Using as permanent wiring is illegal and dangerous.

Use Grounded, Three-Prong Cords

• Never remove or bend back the ground pin. Only use grounded cords for safety.

Don't Run Under Carpets or Furniture

• This can damage the cord and cause overheating out of sight.

Check for Damage Frequently

• Damaged, torn or cracked cords can expose wires and must be replaced immediately.

Extension cords and strips are perfectly safe when used properly, but hazardous when misused. Follow these guidelines to the letter.

Proper Electrical Panel Safety

The main electrical panel is the heart of a building's electrical system, so neglecting safety here can be disastrous:

Keep 30" Clearance in Front

• There should be ample working space in front of the panel free of clutter and storage. This allows easy emergency access.

Label All Circuit Breakers Clearly

• Breakers should be precisely labeled so circuits can be quickly shut off in an emergency.

Shut Power Off Before Working

• Always shut the main breaker off before doing any panel work. Assume wires are live otherwise.

Use Licensed Electricians Only

• Only experienced electricians should handle significant panel work or upgrades. Mistakes here can be deadly.

Inspect for Damage Regularly

• Look for signs of burns, discoloration or cracks indicating damage and potential failures.

Ensure Proper Amp Capacity

• As you add loads, ensure the panel amperage rating isn't exceeded. Overloads can cause fires.

Keep Dust and Debris Out

• A buildup of dust or pests in the panel can cause hazards like short circuits.

Neglecting basic safety procedures around electrical panels leads to shocked technicians, fried equipment, fires and more. Follow these guidelines to the letter.

Proper Use of Ladders and Scaffolds

Falls from ladders and scaffolds while doing electrical work are all too common. Safety is a must:

Use Non-Conductive Ladders

• Metal ladders conduct electricity and present a dangerous shock hazard. Use only fiberglass or wood.

Ensure Ladders are Rated for Electrical Work

• Standard ladders can be conductive. Use ladders labeled suitable for electrical use.

Only Use Ladders on Stable, Dry Surfaces

• Set ladders only on solid, dry surfaces. Move rather than reach too far.

Maintain Three Points of Contact While Working

• Keep either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand touching the ladder at all times for stability.

Wear a Fall Arrest System on Scaffolds

• When on scaffolds near energized lines, wear the proper fall protection gear to avoid a fatal fall.

Follow Proper Ladder Angles

• Place ladders at the proper 75° angle and extend 3 feet above the working surface for safety.

Inspect for Damage First

• Closely inspect ladders and scaffolds for defects before using. Damage can lead to collapse.

Ladders and scaffolds demand extreme care when doing electrical work. Follow these tips to avoid serious falls and injuries on the job.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Before working on electrical equipment, proper lockout/tagout procedures to disable all power sources are critical:

Identify and Lock Off All Power Sources

• Thoroughly trace circuits to locate any and all sources, then lock switches and breakers in the off position.

Apply Warning Tags

• Warning tags should be placed at all lockout points to prevent accidental re-energization.

Double Check for Voltage

• After locking out power, double check circuits with a tester for any remaining voltage before touching.

One Worker Holds the Key

• The worker performing the task should hold the only key to the lockout devices while working.

Follow Step-by-Step Restoration

• Follow a strict procedure for gradually restoring power when work is completed.

Train Everyone on Proper Procedures

• Anyone working onsite should be trained on your organization's formal lockout/tagout procedures.

Lockout/tagout seems tedious but prevents the disastrous consequences of working on live equipment. No shortcuts can be taken here.

Conclusion

These electrical safety standards exist for very good reason - to save lives and prevent avoidable tragedies. While it may be tempting to cut corners or ignore certain guidelines to speed things up, doing so is never worth the risk. Safety must always come first. I hope this overview will encourage both homeowners and fellow electrical professionals to re-examine the safety procedures they follow and make improvements wherever necessary. If we make electrical safety a top priority, we can continue benefiting from electricity's wonders while avoiding its potential harms.