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The electrical system of your home plays a major role in setting the level of comfort and convenience in your daily life. Electricity provides the power for lighting fixtures and lamps, major appliances such as refrigerators, ranges and dishwashers, small appliances such as toaster ovens, microwave ovens and hair dryers, entertainment units such as televisions, videocassette recorders and stereos, and electrical heating systems. Know how to live safely with electricity, both indoors and outdoors, and take measures to protect your children (89). Keep a well-stocked electrical emergency kit on hand and be sure to install electrical safety devices judiciously throughout your home (79). Electricity brings with it the potential for great danger-more than any other system in your home, it’s strictly regulated by codes and standards to protect you from fire and electrical shock. Before an emergency situation arises, consult the Troubleshooting Guide to have emergency procedures at your fingertips; quick-action steps to take are listed and references are given to more detailed procedures. Know how to shut off your electrical system (82). Caution: Work safely at the service panel (82) to avoid the possibility of electrical shock; always keep one hand free. If the circuits of your electrical system are not clearly and correctly labeled at the service panel, label them (84). The list of Safety Tips reviews basic precautions to follow in preventing an electrical emergency in your home. Any switch, outlet, lighting fixture or lamp, appliance, entertainment unit or electrical tool can be vulnerable to wear and tear; fortunately, a cracked plug, a frayed power cord or extension cord and other advance warnings of a possible life- and property-threatening hazard can be detected. Periodically inspect the plugs, power cords and extension cords of your home for signs of damage (85); replace any worn or damaged part before reusing the electrical unit. If an electrical fire should occur, know what to do and treat it with extra caution (61). Water can turn a small electrical fault into a deadly hazard; don’t handle any electrical unit, even a switch or an outlet, in damp or wet conditions. If you must rescue someone immobilized by a live current, don’t touch the victim or the electrical unit; immediately shut off power at the service panel or use a wooden broom handle or chair to knock the victim free (88). If you are ever in doubt about the safety of your electrical system or your ability to handle an emergency, don’t hesitate to call for help. Post the telephone numbers for your local electricity utility, fire department, police and hospital near your telephone; even in non-emergency situations, qualified professionals can answer questions concerning your electrical system. In most regions, you can dial 911 in the event of a life-threatening emergency. === SAFETY TIPS 1. Label the main circuit breaker, the main fuse block or the service disconnect breaker for your electrical system; also map the circuits of your home and label them at the service panel (84). In the event of an emergency, you will want anyone to be able to shut off the power quickly. 2. Install electrical safety devices such as surge suppressors, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI5) and cord shorteners judiciously throughout your home (79). 3. Never work on the wiring of the service panel; entrance wires may remain live even when power is shut off at the main circuit breaker, main fuse block or service disconnect breaker. 4. Don’t remove the cover of the service panel. 5. Never work with electricity in damp or wet conditions and don’t use any electrical appliance, tool or extension cord if it’s damp or wet. 6. Don’t touch a metal faucet, pipe, appliance or other object when working with electricity. 7. Never splice a power cord or an extension cord or remove the grounding prong from a three-prong plug. 8. Don’t plug a three-prong plug into a two-slot outlet. 9. Use an extension cord to supply electricity to an area only temporarily-not as permanent wiring. Never run a power cord or an extension cord under a rug or carpet or fasten it using tacks, pins or staples. 10. Keep children away from electrical units, power cords and extension cords. Cover any unused outlet with safety caps: install a plug cover at each used outlet. 11. Turn off each circuit breaker at least once a year to prevent the sticking or failing of any mechanical component. 12. Test each built-in ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) monthly and each portable GFCI before using it. 13. Keep electrical appliances such as hair dryers, radios and shavers away from sinks, bathtubs and toilets. 14. Don’t pull a power cord out of an outlet by the cord; hold and pull only the plug. 15. Never replace a blown fuse with one of higher amperage; don’t use a penny, a washer or foil as a substitute for a fuse. 16 Don’t poke a fork or other metal implement inside a toaster, hair dryer or other electrical appliance while it’s plugged into an outlet-even if it’s turned off. 17. Never use an extension cord with an amperage rating lower than the amperage rating of the electrical appliance or tool. 18. Use only electrical units, extension cords and safety devices that bear a recognized seal of approval; look for the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) stamp. 19. Keep at least one fire extinguisher rated ABC (55) in your home and know how to use it in the event of a fire. 20. If your plumbing system is of metal, it may provide the electrical grounding for your home; if you replace a metal pipe with a plastic pipe or otherwise interrupt the integrity of any electrical grounding through a plumbing system of metal, install an electrical jumper wire (103). ==== 79--- Type-S fuse--Fuse fits adapter screwed into service panel; adapter accepts only type-S fuse of matching amperage, guarding against accidental installation of fuse with higher amperage. Knife-blade cartridge fuse--Used to protect electrical system; rated over 60 amperes. Standard plug fuse Available in 15-, 20-, and 30- ampere ratings; amperage must match gauge of wire in circuit. Never replace fuse with one of higher amperage. Ferrule-type cartridge fuse--Protects dedicated Circuit for large appliance; available in ratings up to 60 amperes. Continuity tester--Battery-powered, sends a small electrical current through circuit being tested; bulb glows if electrical current passes through circuit (continuity). Fuse puller--Used to remove cartridge fuses; must be made of plastic or other nonconductive material. Fused extension cord--Heavy-duty extension cord coils back into its case after use; fuse protects circuit from being overloaded. If used outdoors, should be plugged into GFCI-protected outlet. Portable surge suppressor--Protects electrical units against power surges that can damage solid-state components; reset button reactivates internal circuit breaker. Receptacle analyzer--Fits into slots of grounded outlet; three small display lights indicate: whether there is electrical current to outlet; whether hot and neutral wires are reversed; and whether outlet is grounded. If analyzer reveals wiring fault, have outlet connections serviced. Portable ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) -- Plugs Into grounded outlet to provide protection against electrical shook (near left). Extension cord with built-in GFCI (tar left) equipped with snap-shut cover to protect GFCI when not in use. Outdoor extension cord--Heavy-duty, three-prong extension cord rated for outdoor use. Power cord shortener--Conceals up to 8 feet of excess power cord, preventing it from being played with by children or tripped over. Turn shortener until openings align, then rotate handle until center divider disappears; bend cord and insert it into opening, then rotate handle until cord desired length. Plug cover--Fits onto post screwed to cover plate of duplex outlet, concealing plug and its prongs; prevents children from tampering with plug. To release plug cover, spread its tabs and pull It off post. Safety caps -- Fit into unused outlet slots to protect children from electrical shock. === TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE SYMPTOM: [ Fire in electrical outlet, switch, fixture or appliance Electrical shock Service panel sparks, shocks or hot to touch Switch sparks, shocks or hot to touch Lighting fixture sparks, shocks or hot to touch Outlet sparks, shocks or hot to touch Lamp, appliance, tool or other electrical unit sparks, shocks or hot to touch Power cord or extension cord sparks, shocks or hot to touch Electrical burn Circuit breaker trips repeatedly or fuse blows repeatedly Circuit unlabeled or labeled incorrectly House, basement or room flooded Major appliance or other electrical unit flooded or wet Small appliance or other electrical unit falls into filled sink, bathtub or toilet No electricity Lightning storm Underground power line broken during excavation Overhead power line down Antenna fallen against power line Person trapped under downed power line Power line fallen on car] PROCEDURE [ Call fire department immediately If fire not small and contained, leave house and call fire department from home of neighbor If fire small and contained, shut off electricity to system (82) and use fire extinguisher rated ABC or BC (61 Have fire department check house-even if fire out Have system professionally inspected If victim immobilized by live current, don’t touch victim or electrical source Immediately shut off electricity to system ( 82 If electricity to system cannot be shut off immediately, unplug or switch oft electrical source (87) or knock victim free of electrical source (88) Call for medical help and monitor vital life signs (16), checking for breathing and pulse If no breathing, administer artificial respiration (17 If no pulse, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) only if qualified If breathing and no back or neck injury, place in recovery position (20) Don’t touch service panel Call electricity utility immediately to shut off power Don’t touch any switch, outlet or other electrical unit Have system professionally inspected Don’t touch switch Immediately shut off electricity to circuit ( 83) or system ( 82) If electricity to circuit or system cannot be shut off immediately, switch off electrical source (87 Have circuit and switch professionally inspected Don’t touch lighting fixture or switch. . Immediately shut off electricity to circuit ( 83) or system ( 82) If electricity to circuit or system cannot be shut oft immediately, switch off electrical source (87 Have circuit, switch and lighting fixture professionally inspected Don’t touch outlet or extension cord, power cord or electrical unit plugged into outlet Immediately shut off electricity to circuit ( 83) or system ( 82) If electricity to circuit or system cannot be shut oft immediately, unplug electrical source (87 Have circuit, outlet, extension cord, power cord and electrical unit professionally inspected Don’t touch electrical unit, power cord, extension cord or outlet. . Immediately shut off electricity to circuit ( 83) or system ( 82) If electricity to circuit or system cannot be shut off immediately, unplug electrical source (87 Have electrical unit, power cord, extension cord, outlet and circuit professionally inspected Don’t touch power cord, extension cord, electrical unit or outlet. . Immediately shut off electricity to circuit (83) or system (82) If electricity to circuit or system cannot be shut off immediately, unplug electrical source; Have power cord, extension cord, electrical unit, outlet and circuit professionally inspected Don’t apply ointment or butter Soak injury in cold water; if necessary, cover with sterile gauze; Seek medical attention immediately; Check for overloaded circuit; if necessary, lessen load on circuit. Check for short circuit; if necessary, have circuit or electrical unit professionally inspected Map and label circuits. Don’t enter house, basement or room Leave house and call electricity utility to shut off power Don’t touch any switch, outlet or other electrical unit When electricity shut off, use trash pump (136); remove remaining standing water (72) Have system and any flooded electrical unit professionally inspected Don’t enter room. If conditions around service panel wet, leave house and call electricity utility to shut off power--If conditions around service panel dry, shut off electricity to system (82); When electricity shut off, remove standing water (72); Have system and major appliance or electrical unit professionally inspected; Don’t touch appliance or any plumbing fixture or pipe. If you, outlet or plug wet, dry yourself and shut off electricity to circuit (83) or system (82) If you, outlet and plug dry, retrieve small appliance or other electrical unit (87) Have small appliance or other electrical unit professionally inspected To prevent overloading of system or damaging of appliances and other electrical units when electricity restored, turn off or unplug appliances and other electrical units-including furnace, heater, air conditioner, refrigerator, freezer, clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave oven, computer, television, stereo and other entertainment units To know when electricity restored, turn on lamp or lighting fixture If neighbors have no power, call electricity utility to report power outage If neighbors have power, restore electricity to system (82); if electricity cannot be restored, have system professionally inspected Have emergency heating and light sources on hand; use portable gas-powered generator (128) Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible When power restored, plug in and turn on only essential appliances; wait at least 30 minutes before plugging in and turning on other appliances and electrical units To guard against power surges, turn off electrical units with electronic components-including computer, television, stereo and other entertainment units; use surge suppressors (79) Stay away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, electrical units, plumbing fixtures and pipes Don’t touch power line; don’t stand in any water near power line. Call electricity utility, fire department or police immediately Treat power line as if live with electricity: stay far away from it and anything it touches, and warn others to stay away Don’t touch power line; don’t stand in any water near power line Call electricity utility, fire department or police immediately Treat fallen power line as if live with electricity: stay far away from it and anything it touches, and warn others to stay away Don’t touch any electrical unit linked to antenna-including television or other entertainment unit Don’t attempt to dislodge antenna Call electricity utility, fire department or police immediately Treat power line and antenna as if live with electricity: stay far away from them and anything they touch, and warn others to stay away Don’t touch victim or power line; don’t stand in any water near power line Call for medical help and call electricity utility, fire department or police immediately Treat power line as if live with electricity: stay far away from it and anything it touches, and warn others to stay away If trapped in car, don’t attempt to jump clear of car and don’t touch any metal part Have someone call electricity utility, fire department or police immediately Treat power line as if live with electricity: keep feet on rubber mat and warn others to stay away ] 82a-- SAFETY AT THE SERVICE PANEL Working safely at the service panel. Take basic safety precautions when working at the service panel, even to reset a circuit breaker or change a fuse. Keep a non-metallic flashlight on hand to avoid having to find the service panel in the dark. Caution: If the area around the service panel is flooded, stay away from it-call your electricity utility to shut off power to your house. If the area around the service panel is damp, stand on a dry board or wear dry rubber boots to work at the ser vice panel. To prevent your body from becoming a route for electricity, wear heavy rubber gloves and work only with one hand; keep your other hand in your pocket or behind your back and avoid touching anything metal . As an added precaution when shutting off a circuit breaker, use your knuckle; any shock will jerk your hand away from the service panel. Caution: Never remove the cover of the service panel; even if you have shut off electricity to the system, parts of the service panel may still be charged with voltage. As a routine preventive measure, inspect the service panel of your home regularly. The main circuit breaker, main fuse block or service disconnect breaker and each individual circuit should be correctly labeled on the service panel; if the individual circuits are not identified, map them before an emergency situation occurs (84). Once every year, turn oft and back on the main circuit breaker (step below) or service disconnect breaker and each other circuit breaker (83) to prevent the sticking or failure of any mechanical component. Or, every 6 months, check that the main fuse block (83) and each other fuse (84) is installed tightly. SHUTTING OFF ELECTRICITY TO THE SYSTEM Shutting off power at a main circuit breaker. If your electrical system is protected by a ser vice disconnect breaker or main fuse block, shut off electricity at it (83). Otherwise, work in safe conditions (step above) to locate the main circuit breaker, a linked, double circuit breaker at the service panel; wearing a rubber glove, flip it to OFF, shutting off electricity. Usually, the main circuit breaker is isolated above or at the top of the individual circuit breakers and labeled MAIN. To restore electricity, flip the main circuit breaker to ON. If the main circuit breaker is not labeled, label it for easy identification in the event of a future emergency. 83ab--- Shutting off power at a main fuse block. If your electrical system is protected by a main circuit breaker, shut off electricity at it (82). If your electrical system is protected by a service disconnect breaker, shut off electricity at it (step right). Otherwise, work in safe conditions (82) to locate the main fuse block, a large pull-out block usually at the top of the service panel; wearing a rubber glove, grip its handle and pull it straight out , shutting off electricity; if there is more than one main fuse block, pull out each one the same way. If the service panel has a shutoff lever instead of a main fuse block, pull it down to shut off electricity. To restore electricity, push the main fuse block back until it snaps into place or push the shutoff lever up. If the main fuse block or shutoff lever is not labeled, label it for easy identification in the event of a future emergency. Shutting off power at a service disconnect breaker. If your electrical system is protected by a main circuit breaker, shut off electricity at it (82). If your electrical system is protected by a main fuse block, shut off electricity at it (step left). Otherwise, work in safe conditions (82) to locate the service disconnect breaker, housed in its own box outdoors near the electricity meter or indoors near the service panel; wearing a rubber glove, flip the service disconnect breaker to OFF , shutting off electricity. To restore electricity, flip the service disconnect breaker to ON. If the service disconnect breaker is not labeled, label it for easy identification in the event of a future emergency. 83c--- TRIPPED POSITION Shutting off a circuit breaker. If the circuit is controlled by a fuse, remove it (84). Otherwise, locate the circuit breaker controlling the circuit; if the circuits are not labeled, shut off power at the main circuit breaker (82) or service disconnect breaker (step above, right). Working in safe conditions (82), wear a rubber glove to flip the circuit breaker to OFF , shutting off electricity to the circuit. If the circuit is overloaded or shorted, the circuit breaker automatically flips to its tripped position between ON and OFF (above right, top) or to OFF. Before restoring electricity to the circuit, calculate the electrical load and check for a short circuit. To restore electricity to the circuit, flip the circuit breaker fully to OFF, then to ON (above right, bottom). Ensure each circuit is labeled for easy identification in the event of a future emergency. 84ab--- Removing a plug fuse. It the circuit is controlled by a circuit breaker, shut it off. If the circuit is controlled by a cartridge fuse, remove it (step right). Otherwise, locate the plug fuse controlling the circuit; if the circuits are not labeled, shut off power at the main fuse block, service disconnect breaker or main circuit breaker. Working in safe conditions, wear a rubber glove to grasp the fuse only by its insulated rim and unscrew it , shutting off electricity to the circuit. A broken metal strip inside the fuse indicates an overloaded circuit; a discolored fuse indicates a short circuit (inset). If necessary, use a continuity tester to test the fuse (86). Before replacing the fuse, calculate the electrical load and check for a short circuit (85). To restore electricity to the circuit, replace the fuse with one of identical amperage. Ensure each circuit is labeled for easy identification in the event of a future emergency (step below). Removing a cartridge fuse. If the circuit is controlled by a circuit breaker, shut it off (83). If the circuit is controlled by a plug fuse, remove it (step left). Otherwise, locate the fuse block of the cartridge fuse; if the circuits are not labeled, shut oft power at the main fuse block, service disconnect breaker (83) or main circuit breaker (82). Working in safe conditions (82), grip the handle of the fuse block and pull it straight out , shutting oft electricity to the circuit. If the circuit is overloaded or shorted, the fuse will blow-and not look damaged; pull it out using a fuse puller (inset) or by hand and use a continuity tester to test it (86). Before replacing the fuse, calculate the electrical load and check for a short circuit (85). To restore electricity to the circuit, replace the fuse with one of identical amperage, then put back the fuse block. Ensure each circuit is labeled for easy identification in the event of a future emergency (step below). 84c--- LABELING YOUR SERVICE PANEL Mapping your electrical circuits. To respond quickly in the event of an electrical emergency, each circuit in your home must be correctly and clearly labeled on the service panel; often, the labels are missing, out dated or illegible. Begin by sketching a floor plan of the house, then walk around each room, mapping its outlets, switches, major appliances and other electrical fixtures. Turn off each switch and unplug each major appliance. At the service panel, post a new label for each circuit, then designate a number for each circuit and write it on the label. Shut oft electricity to circuit number 1, shutting oft the circuit breaker (83) or removing the fuse (steps above). To identify the electrical units on the circuit, find the outlets, switches, major appliances and other electrical fixtures that no longer receive electricity. Turn on each switch, plug in each major appliance and use a working lamp to check the upper and lower receptacle of each outlet; those that don’t work are on the circuit. (Note that a circuit can serve more than one room or floor.) On your map, write the circuit number beside each outlet, switch, major appliance and other electrical fixture on the circuit, then return to the service panel and restore electricity to the circuit. Use the information recorded on your floor plan to characterize the circuit and write a short description of it on its label . Then, shut oft electricity to circuit number 2 and repeat the procedure, continuing until you have mapped each circuit; include each 240-volt circuit controlled by a double circuit breaker or fuse block. Post your map at the service panel for future reference. 85a--- CALCULATING ELECTRICAL LOAD Determining a circuit overload. A circuit is overloaded if it’s used beyond its capacity-the amperage rating of its circuit breaker or fuse. If you suspect that a circuit is overloaded, calculate its existing load and compare the result to its capacity. To calculate the existing load on a circuit, list each electrical unit on the circuit along with its wattage rating. The wattage rating is usually printed on a label (below) found on the back or bottom panel of an appliance or near the socket of a lamp or lighting fixture. Typical wattage ratings of many household appliances are listed in the chart at right. Add the wattage ratings of the electrical units on the circuit, then divide by 120 volts to convert to amperes. If the result is higher than the amperage rating of the circuit breaker or fuse, the circuit is over loaded; if the load on the circuit is continuous (3 hours or more), it should be limited to 80 per cent of the amperage rating of the circuit breaker or fuse. Move a high-wattage appliance such as a hair dryer or toaster oven to another circuit or have a new circuit run from the service panel. TYPICAL WATTAGE RATINGS OF APPLIANCES APPLIANCE | APPROXIMATE WATTAGE RATING 85ab--- CHECKING FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT Inspecting plugs and cords. If a circuit breaker trips repeatedly or a use blows repeatedly, suspect a short circuit-damaged wiring within he circuit. To trace a short circuit, turn on each wall switch and unplug each electrical unit on the circuit, then restore power to the circuit by upping the circuit breaker to ON (83) r replacing the fuse (p4). If the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows, suspect a short circuit r the wiring behind the ceilings or walls and have it repaired as soon is possible. If the circuit breaker does not trip or the fuse does not blow, suspect a short circuit in the wiring of an electrical unit. Carefully inspect the plug, power cord and any extension cord of each electrical unit for signs of damage. Look for corroded, loose or bent plug prongs; a plug with a removable insulating disc is unsafe, especially if the disc is missing and the wire ends of the power cord are exposed. Power cords and extension cords tend to crack or fray at the plug, exposing wires ; also check for cracked or frayed insulation. Have any damaged plug, power cord or extension cord replaced before reusing the electrical unit. Keep power cords and extension cords away from heat and water; don’t run them under rugs or carpets or fasten them using tacks, pins or staples. If necessary, isolate the electrical unit causing the short circuit by plugging in and turning on each electrical unit in turn; the faulty electrical unit will trip the circuit breaker or blow the fuse. Have any faulty electrical unit repaired before reusing it. 86a--- USING A CONTINUITY TESTER TO TEST A FUSE Using a continuity tester. A continuity tester indicates whether a circuit is complete by sending a small electrical current through it. Because the continuity tester is powered by a battery, it must be used only when electricity through the circuit is shut off. Before using the continuity tester, check its battery by touching the alligator clip to the probe ; the bulb of the continuity tester should glow, as shown. If the bulb of the continuity tester does not glow, replace the battery. To test a circuit (a cartridge fuse, For example) for continuity, touch the alligator clip to one end of the circuit (one end of the fuse) and touch the probe to the other end of the circuit (the other end of the fuse). If the bulb of the continuity tester glows, the circuit is complete-there is continuity. If the bulb of the continuity tester does not glow, the circuit is incomplete-there is not continuity. After using the continuity tester, attach the alligator clip to its plastic insulation to prevent it from accidentally contacting the probe and wearing out the battery. 86b--- Testing a fuse. Use a continuity tester (step above) to test a fuse-especially a cartridge fuse which shows no signs of damage if it blows. To test a cartridge fuse, remove it from the fuse block at the service panel. Touch the alligator clip to the metal cap at one end of the fuse and touch the probe to the metal cap at the other end of the fuse . If the fuse is good, the bulb of the continuity tester should glow. To test a plug fuse, remove it from the service panel. Touch the alligator clip to the metal shell of the fuse and touch the probe to the center contact . If the fuse is good, the bulb of the continuity tester should glow. If the bulb of the continuity tester does not glow, replace the fuse with one of the same amperage. SPARKING SWITCHES, OUTLETS AND FIXTURES Unplugging and switching off electrical sources of hazards. If a switch, outlet or other electrical unit makes snapping or cracking sounds, or if sparks, smoke or flames appear, immediately shut off electricity to the circuit, shutting off the circuit breaker (83) or removing the fuse (84); if the circuit is not labeled, shut oft power at the main circuit breaker (82), main fuse block or service disconnect breaker. If the switch, outlet or other electrical unit is sparking, burning or wet, don’t touch it. Use a fire extinguisher rated ABC or BC to put out any flames (61). Safely retrieve any electrical unit immersed in water. Work only in dry conditions to pull the plug of an electrical unit out of an outlet or turn off a switch. Protecting your hand with a thick, dry towel or heavy work glove, grasp only the plug or the power cord of the electrical unit and pull it out of the outlet. Standing to one side of the switch, use a wooden spoon or broom handle to flip off the toggle. Locate the problem and have it repaired before reusing the electrical unit, outlet or switch. 87b--- WATER AND ELECTRICITY Retrieving an electrical appliance from water. Water can provide an alternative path for the electricity in a circuit. Never use any appliance in damp or wet conditions. A radio, hair dryer or shaver can pose a particular hazard around a sink, bathtub or toilet. If an appliance falls into a sink, bathtub or toilet, don’t reach in to retrieve it. If you, the appliance or the area around you or the appliance is wet, immediately shut off electricity to the circuit, shutting off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse; if the circuit is not labeled, shut off power at the main circuit breaker, main fuse block or service disconnect breaker. Work only in dry conditions to pull the plug of the electrical unit out of the outlet. Always turn off and unplug an appliance before cleaning it with a damp cloth, then dry your hands and the appliance thoroughly before plugging it back in. Any outlet near a sink, bathtub or toilet or in an area subject to dampness should be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). 88a--- RESCUING A VICTIM OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK Freeing someone from a live current. Usually a person who contacts live current will be thrown back from the electrical source; sometimes, however, muscles contract involuntarily around the electrical source. Don’t touch the victim or the electrical source. Immediately stop the flow of electricity, shutting off power at the main circuit breaker, main fuse block or service disconnect breaker. If the power cannot be shut off immediately, unplug or switch off the electrical source of the hazard or use a wooden broom handle, chair or board to knock the victim free of the electrical source-an outlet or a tool, For example. Take measures to prevent electrical emergencies and install electrical safety devices judiciously throughout your home. 88b--- Handling a victim of electrical shock. Call for medical help immediately. Monitor the vital life signs of the victim, checking for breathing and a pulse. If there is no breathing, administer artificial respiration; if there is no pulse, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) only if you are qualified. If there is breathing and no back or neck injuries have been sustained, place the victim in the recovery position. Tilt the head back with the face to one side and the tongue forward to maintain an open airway. Keep the victim calm and comfortable until medical help arrives. 89ab--- PREVENTING ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES Plugging into your electrical system safely. Install electrical safety devices judiciously throughout your home. Regularly inspect plugs, power cords and extension cords for signs of damage. Don’t use an "octopus" connector at an outlet (inset); an overloaded circuit can result. Use an extension cord to supply electricity to an area only temporarily; don’t use it as permanent wiring. Never try to hide a power cord or an extension cord by running it under a rug or carpet or by fastening it along a baseboard with tacks, pins or staples. When removing a power cord or an extension cord from an outlet, grasp and pull only its plug ; don’t tug the cord. Take special precautions when working in a damp area (step right) and to protect children (step below), Working in a damp area. A new outlet installed outdoors, in a garage, basement or bathroom, or within 6 feet of a sink or other area subject to moisture must be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-a requirement of the U.S. National Electrical Code. When working outdoors or in any damp area with an electrical tool, make sure it’s properly grounded or double-insulated. Use only a heavy-duty, three-prong extension cord rated for outdoor use; plug it into an outlet with a built-in GFCI or use a portable GFCI or an extension cord with a built-in GFCI. Secure the connection between the power cord of the tool and an extension cord by looping the cords loosely together before plugging in the tool. As an added precaution, use a wooden ladder and wear heavy rubber gloves. Be careful not to touch overhead power lines when working on your roof or siding. 89c--- Protecting children. Teach your children to treat electricity with respect; instruct them not to play with power cords, extension cords or wires and never to poke anything into an outlet or appliance. To protect curious fingers, cover any unused outlet with a plastic safety cap, fitting it securely into the slots (far left). Avoid leaving appliances such as blenders, toasters and irons unattended. Unplug an appliance when it’s not in use and store it well out of reach (near left). Don’t leave the power cord of an appliance dangling from a counter or shelf; a small child may grab the cord and pull the appliance down on him. A kettle and an iron are particular hazards because the water in them can remain hot enough to scald long after they are turned off. |