Making Safety Your Number One Priority

** **When it comes to electrical safety around a home or business, there is nothing more important than taking the proper precautionary steps to avoid a fire. Statistics show that electrical cords and temporary wiring account for over 25% of the estimated 81,000 electrical system fires that occur each [year?]. By following these safety tips, costly damage can be avoided.

Get your extension cords in order:

If your building wiring needs a repair, it’s best to install new wiring, rather than to use an extension as a temporary fix.
Perform a thorough inspection of extension cords for broken connectors, damaged insulation, and missing parts before each use.
Keep extension cords in one area. Never run them through walls, over beams or other support structures, around corners or through doorways.
Be sure to use the right cord for the right purpose. Extension cords have different environments and expected loads, and using the wrong one will cause issues in the future.
**Make sure to equip your extension cords with ground fault interruption devices. These devices work to protect against electrical shocks. **
Never use coiled or damaged extension cords. Throw out damaged cords rather than attempting a repair.
Keep your work environment safe by only using surge-protected power strips that have been properly inspected before use.

Temporary wiring should be used sparingly:

Temporary wiring is… temporary. Don’t substitute it during projects that require permanent wiring.
Use temporary wiring primarily for holiday or ornamental lighting that will not be needed for more than 90 days.
Make sure your wiring matches the environment it will be used in. There is a specific difference between indoor and outdoor wiring that must be reviewed before an installation.
Prior to installation, check your work environment for sharp edges, heat sources, or sunlight, to avoid a breakdown of wiring insulation.

Make maintenance and inspection an easy process:

Be sure to lock out or tag all electrical equipment or lines while they are being serviced, maintained or adjusted. Workers should not be able to use equipment that is under repair.
Inspect all electrical appliances to ensure they’re properly grounded. Remove any cords that are frayed or damaged, and replace them immediately. Do not splice or tape equipment that needs repair. Remember to turn off the main power supply when making repairs.

Installing key safeguards will help improve workflow:

Create a panel board that contains the specific purpose of each circuit breaker, fuse, or switch.
Label all disconnecting switches and circuit breakers.
Create a safe work environment with sufficient access and working space around all electrical equipment for proper operation and easy maintenance.
Cover all unused electrical openings (including conduit knockouts) with electrical enclosures and fittings.

**Taking these necessary and effective precautionary steps in your work environment will save on costs in the long run and create a reassuring environment for your employees. Taking precautionary measures to ensure a safe work environment is crucial in our field. Feel free to contact C&S Electrical with any questions or concerns. **

Making Safety Your Number One Priority

Get your extension cords in order:

If your building wiring needs a repair, it’s best to install new wiring, rather than to use an extension as a temporary fix.

Perform a thorough inspection of extension cords for broken connectors, damaged insulation, and missing parts before each use.

Keep extension cords in one area. Never run them through walls, over beams or other support structures, around corners or through doorways.

Be sure to use the right cord for the right purpose. Extension cords have different environments and expected loads, and using the wrong one will cause issues in the future.

**Make sure to equip your extension cords with ground fault interruption devices. These devices work to protect against electrical shocks. **

Never use coiled or damaged extension cords. Throw out damaged cords rather than attempting a repair.

Keep your work environment safe by only using surge-protected power strips that have been properly inspected before use.

Temporary wiring should be used sparingly:

Temporary wiring is… temporary. Don’t substitute it during projects that require permanent wiring.

Use temporary wiring primarily for holiday or ornamental lighting that will not be needed for more than 90 days.

Make sure your wiring matches the environment it will be used in. There is a specific difference between indoor and outdoor wiring that must be reviewed before an installation.

Prior to installation, check your work environment for sharp edges, heat sources, or sunlight, to avoid a breakdown of wiring insulation.

**Make maintenance and inspection an easy process: **

Be sure to lock out or tag all electrical equipment or lines while they are being serviced, maintained or adjusted. Workers should not be able to use equipment that is under repair.

Inspect all electrical appliances to ensure they’re properly grounded. Remove any cords that are frayed or damaged, and replace them immediately. Do not splice or tape equipment that needs repair. Remember to turn off the main power supply when making repairs.

**Installing key safeguards will help improve workflow: **

Create a panel board that contains the specific purpose of each circuit breaker, fuse, or switch.

Label all disconnecting switches and circuit breakers.

Create a safe work environment with sufficient access and working space around all electrical equipment for proper operation and easy maintenance.

Cover all unused electrical openings (including conduit knockouts) with electrical enclosures and fittings.

Make sure to equip your extension cords with ground fault interruption devices. These devices work to protect against electrical shocks.

Make maintenance and inspection an easy process:

Installing key safeguards will help improve workflow: