The Future of Workplace Safety
ESFI and Wesco’s article, The Future of Workplace Safety, was recently published on EC&M’s website. Read the article here. The Future of Workplace Safety How technology can improve the safety of workers on job sites Shawn Gregg, Brett Brenner Rapid technological advancements are improving the functionality of our lives. But are workplaces advancing to keep […]
Electrification Charges Forward
ESFI and Wesco’s article, Electrification Charges Forward, was recently published on Environmental Protection’s website. Read the article here. Electrification Charges Forward By Brett Brenner, Nelson Squires The introduction of the incandescent light bulb in the 1880s was the first spark that set humanity on the course of electrification. Although by 1925, only half of American […]
What is an AFCI – Video Short
Arc fault circuit interrupters, or AFCIs, are safety devices that protect your home against electrical fires caused by damaged wiring. You can damage wires in all kinds of ways, like driving nails through them, closing a door on them, having loose connections, or overheating cords under rugs. AFCIs are designed to detect arcing issues and […]
Free Webinar – Surge Protective Devices: Protecting Businesses and Homes
ESFI and The National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association’s (NEMA) Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Section present this free webinar, Surge Protective Devices: Protecting Businesses and Homes. For more information on surge protective devices, visit nemasurge.org and esfi.org.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: Preventing Electrocution Since 1973
Year Estimated Number of GFCI Protected Homes Total Electrocutions Consumer Products Electrocution 1968 – 1,048 481 1969 – 1,148 495 1970 – 1,140 565 1971 – 1,065 531 1972 – 1,088 484 1973 – 1,149 585 1974 – 1,157 521 1975 12,993,400 1,224 562 1976 14,370,600 1,041 433 1977 16,027,700 1,183 510 1978 17,895,200 984 […]
Understanding Surge Protective Devices Survey
In 2021, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed industrial and commercial facility professionals, including managers, owners, building engineers, heads of maintenance, and related occupations. These professionals provided insights regarding power surge incidents and effects, as well as usage of Surge Protective Devices in the facilities they manage. SEE FULL SURVEY RESULTS Common Voltage Surge Causes: […]
Understanding Electric Vehicles
Connected to Safety Are you purchasing, or have you recently purchased, an electric vehicle? Learn about the different charging options you have and how to charge your electric vehicle safely. HOME CHARGING: ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE) Before using a charger, ensure the equipment has been listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Have a […]
Generator Safety
Use Backup Power Safely When used properly, portable and standby generators are a great option to provide backup power during brownouts or blackouts. Learn how to use generators safely with the following tips: Generators Location Always keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home Never operate a generator in an enclosed space Make sure the generator […]
5 Tips to Avoid Counterfeits
5 Tips to Avoid Counterfeits Only purchase from trusted sources. Check electrical manufacturers’ websites to find authorized retailers and dealers. Only purchase items that have been tested and marked. Only use licensed, insured, and bonded contractors that will stand behind their work. Products and packaging with typos and misspellings have a high likelihood of being counterfeit. […]
What are Surge Protective Devices
Surge protective devices protect against downtime, improve system and data reliability, and reduce electrical failures. Electrical surge damage can be experienced in a single event or as the result of an accumulation of power surges. Lightning and external sources cost the U.S. economy an estimated $5-6 billion per year. A common source of power surges inside […]
What are Power Surges
Surges, or transients, are brief overvoltage spikes or disturbances of a power waveform that can damage, degrade, or destroy electronic equipment within any home, commercial building, or industrial and manufacturing facilities. Transients can reach amplitudes of tens of thousands of volts. Most equipment is designed to handle minor variations in their standard operating voltage. However, surges can […]
Surge Protective Devices: Critical Infrastructure
Critical Infrastructure depends on the reliability of electrical and electronic equipment. Ranging from medical services to IT and our nation’s transportation system, it is imperative these systems remain operational. On average, a typical building experiences over 150 power surges a month. While lightning and other external systems result in a significant number of surging events, […]
