In the case of a power outage, certain safety measures must be taken to protect yourself and those around you. These include using AFCI (Automatic Furnace Circuit Interruption) protection, keeping foreign objects out of electrical outlets, and avoiding touching or operating a vehicle while a downed power line is visible.
When a power line is down, there are steps you should take to ensure your safety. Those steps include staying away from downed power lines, identifying hidden dangers, and knowing when to call 911. Read on Sharp Electric for more information.
Staying away from downed power lines is one of the most important things you can do. Power lines are dangerous and can cause serious injury or even death. You should avoid any area where there is a potential for an arcing power line, including backyards and recreational fields.
As a rule of thumb, you should be at least 100 feet away from a downed power line. Keep other people out of the area, and stay in your vehicle until help arrives. If you have a generator or other equipment, be sure to keep it in your car until help arrives.
If you are at home, try to call 911 if you find a downed wire. People who are in contact with the wire may become energized, and will receive an electric shock.
During the restoration of electricity, downed power lines can become energized. In the process, they can re-energize other utility wires or metal culverts. Depending on how the wires are connected, they can also be energized by a tree limb or other object.
Surge protection devices are installed in power supply networks to reduce the damage from surges. They are used for telephone, data, and communication networks. Using them also helps lower repair costs.
A surge is a sudden change in voltage. It can occur on any metallic conductor. It can be caused by lightning, switching disturbances, or other external events. These events can cause damage to sensitive electronic equipment. In the worst-case scenario, a single surge event can result in the immediate failure of your system.
Surge protective devices work by lowering the voltage, limiting the surge, and diverting the excess voltage to a grounding wire. For example, a surge arrester protects against lightning by preventing the flow of current.
Another type of surge protective device is a point-of-use surge protector. This is installed near the power panel or at the service entrance to the home. The 2020 National Electrical Code mandates that all new homes and renovated homes have surge protective devices.
Choosing a surge protection device should be based on risk and the level of protection desired. To choose a quality protector, look for a label that says UL 1449 or a manufacturer’s rating. Higher ratings indicate higher internal components that will provide better surge-stopping capabilities.
Arc flashes are an electrical hazard that can cause severe injury. They can cause burns, blindness, eye damage, and nerve damage. Some people suffer fatal or serious injuries. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set standards to help prevent these accidents.
In order to prevent these accidents, it is important for workers to be knowledgeable about the hazards and proper safety procedures. Employers are also obligated to provide personal protective equipment and a safe workplace.
Although arc flashes are usually caused by equipment malfunctions, there are many other reasons that they occur. Faulty wiring, loose connections, and rodents in the service area are just a few of the common causes.
An arc flash is a sudden release of energy that can heat and explode nearby components. It can also damage equipment and lead to injuries.
Electrical employees, including electricians, need to be aware of the dangers of arc flashes. Employees must wear personal protective equipment and follow all electrical safety policies. These guidelines are enforced by OSHA.