LAGI

Electrical Surges

To prevent damage and possible fires you shoud consider protecting your home with devices such as lightening and electrical surge safety equipment. We have put together some general prevention tips to help you make your home lecetricall safe.

Lightning Protection Systems

• Provides a direct path for the lightning to follow to the ground
• Prevents destruction, damage, injury or death as it travels that path

Surge Protection Devices

• The surge protector should be listed to UL Standard 1449.
  
• The surge protector must be capable of protecting all power and signal lines that are connected to the protected equipment.
  
• Examples of signal lines: phone lines and coaxial cable from satellite, cable TV or external antenna.
  
• Select a surge protector that has an indicating light and/or audible alarm to show when it needs replacement.
  
• Look for SPDs that come with a manufacturer's warranty. Some warranties cover only the device; others also cover the damaged equipment and electrical wire insulation chewed by rodents.

Fuse and Circuit Breaker Boxes

• Enclose fuses and circuit breakers in a panel box. Interior wiring should never be visible. Always keep the panel door closed and latched.
  
• Keep the area around the electrical panel free of combustible materials.
  
• If you notice burn marks, hear buzzing or cracking or smell burning plastic around or inside the electrical panel, have a qualified electrician check the panel immediately.
  
• Keep on hand spare fuses of the proper size for the circuit they protect. Over fusing presents a severe fire hazard as circuits can overheat when they carry more current than that for which they were designed.
  
• When screw-type fuses require replacement, S-type fuses should be used.
  
• If fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently, it may be an indication that the circuits are overloaded. Have a qualified electrician inspect the circuit and make the appropriate repairs.

Electrical Cords

• Extension cords are a temporary, not permanent, wiring solution.
  
• Avoid overheating by using extension cords of the proper size for the load they will carry and by using cords as short as practical.
  
• Regularly check cords for damage and never repair by splicing.
  
• Avoid using "octopus plugs" which allow many cords to be plugged into a single receptacle.

Household tips

Do:

• Contact the NICEIC or the IEE for an approved electrician.
• Take special care when using electrical equipment and ensure that surfaces are free of water and kept clean.
• Check that flexible leads and appliances are in good condition.
• Unplug any appliance or tool that gives even the slightest shock (i.e. tingling sensation) and have it checked by a qualified electrician.

Dont:

• Operate electrical equipment with wet hands
• Clean electrical equipment whilst appliance is still plugged in.
• Fill kettles, irons etc whilst they are still plugged in.
• Retrieve toast stuck in a toaster whilst appliance is still plugged in, especially with metal objects!