Safety at Home
Indoor Safety Tips
At Maritime Electric we want our customers to be safe at all times. The following tips are meant to protect you and your family from electrical hazards indoors.
Home Wiring
- Hire a qualified electrician to perform electrical work in your home.
- Consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI); these outlets help protect against electrical shock from the use of faulty electronics in wet or damp areas.
Fuses
- If you have an older home you may have a fuse panel instead of circuit breakers. If a fuse blows, turn off all appliances and lights on the circuit before changing the fuse.
- Only replace blown fuses with new ones with the correct rating - do not use a coin or a metal object.
- Label any disconnected circuits so that someone else does not accidentally reconnect your electricity.
- If you are unsure what to do, contact a qualified electrician for assistance.
Plugs and Cords
- Always unplug by pulling on the plug and not the cord.
- Don't overload wall sockets and surge protectors.
- Do not remove or bypass the third prong on a plug - it is required for safety reasons.
Extension Cords
- Use an extension cord that is properly rated for the load and only use it temporarily.
- Keep your extension cord away from water.
- Do not use worn extension cords as they may cause shocks and fires.
- Do not run cords under your carpeting - it can cause harm to the cord's wires and their protective coating and may result in a fire.
Appliances and Equipment
- Ensure appliances do not get wet. Water and electricity do not mix.
- Unplug appliances before moving, cleaning or repairing them.
- Unplug your toaster before recovering a wedged piece of toast.
- Keep electrical appliances away from sink and bath water.
- Turn off portable space heating, cooking and washing appliances before leaving home.
Power Tools
- Unplug power tools when you are not using them.
- Do not operate around water or stand on a damp floor when using power tools.
- Be sure to use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet for all your electrical outdoor power tools.
Outdoor Safety Tips
The outdoors can be safe and fun all year round. The following tips are meant to protect you and your family from electrical hazards outdoors.
Lighting Your Property
- Ensure temporary outdoor lighting, such as holiday or seasonal lighting, is connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
Installing Antennas or Similar Objects
- Maintain a safe distance from power lines. If power lines are in proximity contact us to determine line voltage and safe limits of approach.
- Position your antenna away from power lines by at least 1.5 times its total length.
Lawn and Garden Tools and Projects
- Not sure whether you have an underground electrical service? Contact us before you dig, trench or till on your property.
- Check for overhead power lines and the location of your service entrance prior to setting up a ladder.
- Only use your electric lawnmower on dry grass. Do not mow the lawn when it is raining.
- Use garden tools and appliances that have three prong plugs.
- Inspect your garden tools’ electrical cords for frayed insulation. If any are frayed, repair them before using.
- Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets for outdoor plugs.
Tree Planting and Cutting
- Your trees may become a hazard if they grow into power lines. Always plant your trees away from power lines.
- Cutting a tree that could fall into a power line can be very dangerous or even deadly. Contact us if any limbs on a tree you want to cut are in proximity to power lines.
- Do not try to move a tree that has fallen into a power line. Stay clear, as a dangerous step and touch potential situation could occur. Contact us for assistance.
