Outlet Plugs Safety
Outlet Plugs Safety
Hidden Electrical Hazards - Check Your Grounded Outlets
Shock hazards and warranty issues. If you live in an older house, you may be shocked, literally, to discover that your "grounded" (three-pronged) electrical outlets are not really grounded, after all. This article describes why that's a dangerous situation, how to tell if your outlets are really grounded, and what to do if they're not.
The electrical term, open ground, describes a situation where someone has installed a three-pronged outlet, but the cable serving that outlet still contains only two wires, a hot and a neutral, and no ground wire. The three-pronged outlet gives the appearance of an upgrade, but the outlet is not really grounded. This is bad news for two reasons.
Shock hazard
This should be your first concern, and it's a real one: a receptacle that is not properly grounded is a safety hazard to you and your family. A shock from an improperly grounded 120-volt outlet can cause injury, even death. And take note: those receptacle "cheaters," those little, grey three-hole plugs with the tab on them that you screw into the plate? They don't work, and they can present a hazard to you and the equipment you plug into them.
Warranty issues
The following appliances require a grounded receptacle, for both safety and warranty reasons:
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Washing Machine
- Computer
- Television
- Any piece of equipment with a 3-pronged plug
Plugging any of this equipment into a receptacle that is not grounded can present a shock hazard, can damage the product, and can void the product warranty. Computers have especially sensitive voltage requirements. Note that surge protectors will not work properly unless a ground is present. These appliances and pieces of equipment are not small investments; protect them by using only properly grounded outlets. Where necessary, call in a qualified electrician to run you a new wire.
How to tell if your outlet is really grounded
- You can buy a small, inexpensive, plug-in tester at your local home center or electrical supply store. They are generally fairly reliable.
- You could try cutting the electricity at the breaker, pulling off your outlet cover and having a look, but you may or may not be able to see the cable feeding the outlet. The older the house, the more likely it is to be dark and dirty and hard to see behind the outlet cover. It might be necessary to unscrew and pull out the outlet. Note: this is not recommend as a beginner's DIY project because of the safety hazards involved.
- Why take chances? Hire a pro. If you have any question whether your outlets are properly grounded - or for that matter, if you have any questions about your wiring or your breaker or fuse box - have a qualified electrician come in and take a look.
What to do if your outlet is not properly grounded
If the tester gives you a negative reading, there may be other outlets in the house that aren't grounded. We strongly recommend that you bring in a qualified electrician to assess the situation and recommend next steps.
Next steps could involve running new wire, but possibly not. In some circumstances, electrical code allows for ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection (meaning the installation of a GFCI outlet) where there is no ground; however, the code has very specific requirements about how this must be done, including language that must be displayed prominently on the outlet cover. We do not recommend this as a beginner's DIY project because of the potential safety hazards to you and your family, and the warranty issues with your electrical and electronic equipment, discussed above.
More about wiring in older houses
- A good rule of thumb: If you see wire and it's fabric covered, by all means, have a qualified electrician look at it.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission and utility companies recommend panel maintenance every three years. Generally, maintenance involves pulling the panel cover, inspecting all breakers and wiring, re-torquing connections, replacing breakers where necessary, and making recommendations about any further service that may be necessary or desirable. Routine maintenance can avoid a lot of problems.
- For homeowners with older wiring for whom rewiring is not an option, your electrician might recommend replacing certain breakers with an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). This is a "breaker with a brain," fire protection technology that works just like a regular circuit breaker but also electronically detects arcing. For new construction and significant remodeling, the AFCI is now required for all circuits leading to bedrooms.
For additional information on electrical and other issues pertinent to older houses, visit www.ranchrevival.com
About the Author
Liz Pauley is a staff writer for
ranchrevival.com
, a website devoted to owners of ranch style houses, old and new.
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The Importance Of Electrical Safety
In electrical injuries there are four main types of injuries: electrocution (will cause death), electric shock, burns, and falls. These injuries can come from direct contact with the electrical energy, electrical arcs that jumps to a person who is grounded, thermal burns including flash burns from heat generated by an electric arc, flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical currents, and muscle contractions can cause a person to fall. The fall can cause serious injuries also. High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
There are some safeguard procedures that can be followed to ensure electrical safety:
1) Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear prior to each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
2) Always tape cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage cords causing fire and shock hazards.
3) Use cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
4) Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.
5) Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.
6) Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive materials when working with or near electricity or power lines.
7) Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.
Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, known also as GFCI, as they will interrupt the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.
9) Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.
10) Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of an emergency.
11) Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.
12) Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring or use power tools with the guards removed. Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse boxes and do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the current first.
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by detecting any loss of electrical current in a circuit. When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful shock may occur during the time that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity so it is important to use the GFCI as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices.
GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against electrocution for just that outlet, or a series of outlets in the same branch. A GFCI Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an entire branch circuit. Plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances will be used and are commonly found in bathrooms. Another common use for GFCI is for pools and hot tubs.
Test the GFCI monthly. First plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall outlet (the light should be turned on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If the GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired or replaced. Reset the GFCI to restore power. If the "RESET" button pops out but the light does not go out, the GFCI has been improperly wired and does not offer shock protection at that wall outlet. Contact a qualified electrician to correct any wiring errors.
Power tools used incorrectly can electrically hazardous. Switch tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply. Disconnect power supply before making adjustments. Ensure tools are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded tool Must Have an approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This plug should be plugged in a properly grounded 3-pole outlet. Do not use electrical tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless tool is connected to a GFCI. The operation of power tools might ignite flammable substances and in can cause an explosion near certain vapors and gases.
Never use extension cords as permanent wiring. Use extension cords only to temporarily supply power to an area that does not have a power outlet. Keep power cords away from heat, water and oil. They can damage the insulation and cause a shock. Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put in conduit or protected by placing planks alongside them. Check power cords and plugs daily; discard if worn or damaged. Keep power cords clear of tools during use.
Extension cords themselves can be hazardous. Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping hazards. Do not tie power cords in tight knots; knots can cause short circuits and shocks. Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug. Many circuits are wired to twelve amp breakers so do not plug several extension cords into one outlet.
Electrical safety is simple. Electricity should be respected and precautions should be taken to prevent injuries. Safety devises are becoming safer each year; its up to you to use them correctly. Be aware and be safe.
About the Author
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