ESFI, Beat the Heat and Prepare for Summer Storms

Power Outages

Power outages can lead to more than just your lights going out. Forcing sensitive electronics to shut down unexpectedly can result in data loss or damage to electrical systems. When power returns, a surge can damage TVs, appliances, and even heating and AC systems. Power outages can be impossible to predict, so be sure to prepare your home with the following devices:
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• These devices can protect against all power disturbances. They work by providing battery backup to critical electronics to protect them from sudden shutoffs.
• Energy Storage
• Energy storage systems consist of batteries that provide backup during service interruptions. They can be used to power critical systems in your home.
• Smart Meters
• Smart meters allow for greater communication between your home’s electrical needs and your energy provider. They can help you reduce energy costs and provide utilities with information on how much electricity is being used in their service areas.
• Surge Protective Devices (SPDs)
• SPDs protect against voltage spikes that can cause damage to your electronics when full power is restored.

Prepare Your Home for Storms (click here)

National Anti-Counterfeiting Consumer Awareness Month

July is National Anti-Counterfeiting Consumer Awareness Month. Counterfeit electrical products pose significant safety hazards and can cause deaths, injuries, and substantial property loss in the home and the workplace if left undetected. Learn how to avoid counterfeits with our tips below.

5 Tips to Avoid Counterfeits
1. Only purchase from trusted sources.
2. Check electrical manufacturers’ websites to find authorized retailers and dealers.
3. Only purchase items that have been tested and marked.
4. Only use licensed, insured, and bonded contractors that will stand behind their work.
5. Products and packaging with typos and misspellings have a high likelihood of being counterfeit.

How to Report Counterfeits
Visit IPRCenter.gov to report counterfeits.

Using qualified electricians and purchasing from reputable retailers gives you: safety, security, and the backing of the manufacturer. For more information on UL’s Be Safe Buy Real campaign, visit besafebuyreal.ul.org.

Zero Tolerance for Counterfeits – Click here for 5 Tips to Avoid Counterfeits

Electric Shock Drowning (ESD)

ESD severely injures and kills people every year. ESD occurs when faulty wiring sends electric current into water, which passes through the body and causes paralysis. This can ultimately result in drowning.

How to Avoid Electric Shock Drowning
• Locate and label all power switches to the pool, hot tub, spa equipment, and lighting.
• Make sure all pools, hot tubs, and spas are at least 25 feet from power lines.
• All wiring and repairs should be performed by a qualified electrician.
• Have a qualified electrician inspect your pool, spa, or hot tub annually.
• Install GFCIs, which can prevent electrocution, on all receptacles within 20 feet of the water’s edge.

What to do if You See Electric Shock Drowning
1. Do not enter the water.
2. Turn off the source of power.
3. Call 911.
4. Use an insulated device (such as a fiberglass rescue crook) to attempt to remove the victim from the water.

Water and Electricity Don’t Mix – Click here for infographic

AFCI & GFCI Performance Survey

In May 2022, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed homeowners and electrical contractors to assess the performance of AFCI and GFCI devices in homes in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts immediately adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code ® on January 1, 2020 with AFCI requirements for the entire home.

ESFI surveyed 100 electrical contractors in Massachusetts to determine the amount and type of service calls they responded to during an average week from the start of 2020 to the present. The surveyed electrical contractors personally responded to an average of 27 service calls a week.

See More Results – Click here

 

Thank you for all you do to make your community a safer place!

Sincerely,

Electrical Safety Foundation International

Thanks for the share JL!