Electrical Safety—The Checklist : New Protection

Before You Plug Into Electricity, Plug Into Electrical Safety—The Checklist

New Protection—Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)


Newer arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) can help prevent fires that often result from problems at the outlets, switches and frayed and cracked cords connected to the circuits. The AFCI senses the particular signature of an arc—where electricity has to jump through an insulating medium—and, like the GFCI, acts immediately to shut off the circuit, thus reduc­ing the risk of fire associated with arcing faults.

AFCIs are currently required by the Na­tional Electrical Code® in new construction in all bedroom circuits, but should be consid­ered in all homes and all general purpose re­ceptacles. Consult a qualified, licensed electri­cian to determine if your home is compatible with AFCI protection.


Other technology

Over the years, we have begun to safety engi­neer our electrical products to include some of the same technology that has been applied to our electrical systems. Immersion detec­tion circuit interrupters (IDCIs) and appli­ance leakage current interrupters (ALCIs) are typically found on hair dryer and specific appliance cords.

They operate in slightly dif­ferent ways but perform essentially the same function. Leakage current detection interrupt­ers (LCDIs) are protective devices that help prevent fires due to damage to cords. They are presently being built into the plug cap of room air conditioners. If the cord is damaged, the LCDI circuitry detects an abnormal condi­tion and immediately shuts off power. LCDI technology is also available in select extension cords and power strips.


Batteries

When used correctly, batteries provide a safe and dependable source of power. However, if they are misused or abused, overheating, leak­age, or in extreme cases explosion or fire, can occur. Follow these safety principles when us­ing batteries:

• Always follow warnings and manufactur­ers instructions for both the batteries and the battery-operated product. Use only the correct type and size battery indicated.
• Check the contacts of both the battery and the battery-operated product for cleanli­ness.
• Always insert the batteries correctly with regard to polarity (-/+), matching the pos­itive and negative symbols of both battery and product. Putting them in backwards, the product will sometimes still operate, but may inadvertently charge the batteries resulting in venting or leaking.
• Remove and safely dispose of exhausted batteries immediately.
• Replace all batteries in battery-operated products at the same time and with the batteries of the same type and manufac­ture.
• Do not short circuit batteries. When the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of a battery are in contact with each other, the battery can become short circuited. For example, loose batteries in a pocket with keys or coins can be short circuited possi­bly resulting in venting or explosion.
• Do not heat batteries.
• Do not crush, puncture, dismantle or oth­erwise damage batteries.
• Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries.
• Keep batteries out of reach of small chil­dren.