May 14, 2020

“Smart Home” is the 2020 theme for National Electrical Safety Month – which is held in May. With many people spending more time at home – using electrical devices for work, school and entertainment – there’s never been a better time to focus on electrical safety.

Some good reminders include:

Appliances:

• Unplug appliances when not in use. When unplugging a cord from a wall outlet, pull on the plug not the cord.
• Bulb wattage matters! Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on a lamp or fixture.
• Never operate an appliance while touching a metal object – especially plumbing. Teach children not to touch appliances with wet hands.
• Always locate appliances away from sinks and tubs in the kitchen or bathroom.

Power Cords:

• Check electric cords around the house − replace them if they are broken, frayed or damaged.
• Protect cords from damage. Do not place a cord where it’s likely to be walked on.
• Avoid twisting, kinking or crushing a cord.

Wiring:

• Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers for circuits used indoor near water, such as in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, as well as for all outdoor circuits.
• A typical home today uses twice as much electricity as in the 1960s. Single-family dwellings should have a service capacity of at least 100 amps.
• Old two-conductor circuits should be updated with safe, modern three-conductor wiring.

Safety is a core value at FirstEnergy – and you’ll find plenty of tips and resources on the safety pages of our FirstEn​ergy website.

Electrical Safety Month is spearheaded by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. More information about Electrical Safety Month and home electrical safety is on the ESFI website*.

*By clicking the link in this article, you are entering a website maintained by an outside party, which is entirely responsible for the site’s content.