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Homeowner Safety

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Always Look Up, All Ways - Home Electrical Safety

Before starting any project, be alert of where the power lines are located and know where they are hanging. Whether you're working on the roof, trimming trees, or painting your siding, it's your job to be aware and to alert others about nearby power lines.

  • Locate all overhead power lines

  • Stay at least 10 feet away from all overhead power lines

  • Do not touch anything in contact with power lines 

  • Carry ladders and equipment horizontally 

  • Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and call 911 if you encounter one

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

How does it work?

AFCI interrupts power when an arc-fault is detected in the circuit downstream from where the receptacle is installed, including within items plugged into it. Provides protection from arc-faults beyond branch circuit wiring extending to appliances and cord plugged into the receptacle. Also provides protection for series arc-faults upstream from where the receptacle is installed.

What is an Arc Fault?

An arc-fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Arc-faults can occur when older wires become frayed or cracked, when a nail or screw damages a wire behind a wall, or when outlets or circuits are compromised.

Parallel arc: arc between the hot and neutral conductor or between the hot and ground conductor or between the hot and ground conductor.

Series arc: arc along the same conductor or at connections.

Where is it required by the National Electrical Code (NEC)?

The 2014 NEC expanded Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection (Section 210.12 and 406.4(D)(4)) to include most circuits. The use of AFCI receptacles are now an acceptable form of protection when in compliance with some restrictions as specified in the NEC.  The 2014 NEC allows 6 different installations methods to provide AFCI protection in new construction and specific replacements.

Things to consider about AFCI receptacles

Protects all downstream wire and appliances from both parallel and series arcs, and also protects from series arcs upstream in the wiring between the source of the circuit and the first outlet on the circuit, called the “home run.”

Provides localized TEST and RESET ability.

Home Surge Protective Devices

They're More than an Accessory, They're a Necessity. 

A power surge is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, or destroy electronic equipment. Surges can occur when large appliances, such as air conditioners, turn on and off. Surges can also originate from electric utilities or lightning. Surge protection has been required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) since 2014, and 82% of surveyed professionals indicated that surge protection is necessary to protect expensive equipment. 

Home Renovation: Childproofing Outlets

A study by Temple University found that 100% of all 2-4-year-olds were able to remove one type of plastic outlet cap within 10 seconds. Properly childproof your outlets by installing Tamper Resistant Receptacles.

How to Properly Childproof Your Home:

  • Tamper Resistant Receptacles offer a permanent solution to outlet covers
  • Built in shutters prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet
  • Required by the National Electrical Code since 2008

Where to Install:

All 15A-20A, 125v and 150v outlets in the following areas must be tamper-resistant

  • Kitchen
  • Dining room
  • Bedroom
  • Living Room
  • Hallways
  • Family Rooms
  • Laundry areas
  • Bathroom
  • Garage
  • Outdoors

Exceptions:

  • Outlets located more than 5 ½ ft above the floor
  • Outlets that are part of a luminaire
  • Outlets dedicated to appliances that cannot be easily moved

New in 2017:

Tamper Resistant Receptacles are required in new and renovated:

  • Childcare facilities
  • Hotel and motel guest rooms
  • Preschools and elementary education facilities
  • Gyms, skating rinks, auditoriums and places of waiting
  • Offices, corridors, waiting rooms, and similar rooms in clinic, medical and dental offices, and outpatient facilities

Outlets Explained

 

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Where To Find Us

McKenzie Electric Cooperative
3817 23rd Ave. NE
PO Box 649
Watford City, ND 58854-0649

Phone: 701-444-9288
Fax: 701-444-3002
After Hours: 701-444-9288 or 800-584-9239

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