Electrical Safety at Home and Work

  • Published
  • By Christopher Hughes
  • 96th Civil Engineer Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Eglin Fire and Emergency Flight and the National Fire Protection Association reminds personnel to always be safe when dealing with electricity at home and in the work place.

Fixed wiring, switches, receptacles and outlets account for the largest share (45%) of fires among major types of electrical distribution equipment, and account for the largest share of civilian fire deaths and injuries according to the NFPA. 

Some type of electrical failure is the leading factor contributing to ignition in every group of electrical distribution equipment products except lighting. Extension cord fires outnumbered fires beginning with attached or unattached power cords by more than two-to-one.

Here are some don'ts associated with facilities on Eglin AFB so facility managers can ensure their buildings remain in accordance with Air Armament Center Instruction (AACI) 32-2001. 

- Ensure all heat producing electrical appliances (coffee pots, microwaves, etc. are listed by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or are in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC). 

- Portable electric heaters may be used provided the building electrical utilities are sufficient. They must be UL listed, equipped with an automatic (tip-over) switch, and authorized by the facility manager. 

- Heaters will not be left unattended and will be unplugged at the end of the workday. Heaters will have 18 inch clearance from combustibles. 

- Automatic start times will not be used in conjunction with coffee makers or any other type of cooking appliance. That is right, Team Eglin, all those coffee pots WITH TIMERS are not allowed. Coffee makers may be used if they are UL listed, authorized by the facility manager and placed on non-combustible surfaces. 

- Microwave ovens may be used in a controlled environment such as a day room or break room. Electrical extension cords will not be used to supply power for microwave ovens. 

- Extension cords will be UL listed and used only when flexible connections are necessary. Tampering with electrical wiring or fixtures is prohibited. 

For more information on do's and don'ts for your facilities please consult AACI 32-2001, Chapter 5. 

Here are some NFPA safety tips for your home: 

- Replace frayed cords on all electrical devices.
- Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
- In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension cord
receptacles should have plastic safety covers.
- Follow the manufacturers instructions for plugging an appliance into a
receptacle outlet.
- Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance (Refrigerators, Microwaves, Freezers, etc.) into each receptacle outlet at a time.
- If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit breaker to that area and call an electrician.
- When possible avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
- Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage. 

Hopefully these tips and facts will help avoid a serious electrical fire at home or in the office. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the Fire Prevention section at 882-3229, option 5. Always remember to dial 9-1-1 in case of fire or an emergency.