Tamper Resistant Receptacles: Childproofing Done Right
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 […]
National Electrical Code: Your Guideline to Safety
First published in 1897, the National Electrical Code has been adopted in all 50 states as the standard for safe electrical installation, inspection, and use to protect people and property from avoidable electrical hazards There have been 15 code revisions since 1974, the year the average American home was built The National Electrical Code is […]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Your Protection from Electrocution
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters have saved thousands of lives since their introduction in to the National Electrical Code in the 1970s. Make sure your home is properly protected against ground faults with the correct installation of GFCIs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrocutions have been prevented by the introduction of […]
Surge Protection – Keeping your Electronics and Home Safe
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association estimates that 60-80% of surges originate from internal sources (within a home or business). Keep your valuable electronics safe by protecting them from the surges that can damage or destroy them. What is a power surge? A power surge is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, […]
Fire Prevention Week 2016 – Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years
Prevention – It saves lives. As a proud supporter of the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week initiative, ESFI wants to help you prevent tragedy and remind you how to be proactive with safety. Remember: Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years. Prevention: AFCI Breakers and Outlets can prevent 50% […]
Do your Outlets Need an Upgrade?
Did you know that an electrical outlet can do much more than provide electricity? They can be life saving devices by preventing shocks, burns and even fires. Do your outlets need an upgrade? Learn about these specialized electrical outlets with added features to provide a safer home. The major specialized outlets are: Ground Fault […]
How Protected Are Children From Electric Shock? A Tamper Resistant Receptacle Survey
Each year, 2,400 children in the U.S. are treated for injuries caused by electrical outlets. ESFI surveyed mothers with young children to gauge the public’s understanding of the importance of Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs), which have been required by the National Electrical Code since 2008 to prevent these injuries. Nearly 1/3 of parents with young […]
Keep safe while playing Pokemon Go: Don’t get shocked catching Pokemon
ESFI is reminding you to stay away from overhead power lines and electrical substations while searching for Pokemon. No Pokemon is worth your life. To learn more about electrical safety for children, visit ESFI’s Kids’ Corner
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Prevent Electrical Fires
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. Why do I need Arc-Fault Protection? […]
What is a Tamper Resistant Receptacle?
TRRs resemble regular receptacles but they’re so much more. In fact, they provide a permanent solution to childhood shock caused by tampering with electrical outlets. TRRs feature built in safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted into the receptacle. TRRs required by the National Electrical Code since 2008 Internal shutters block foreign objects […]
Avoid the 12 Dangers of Christmas
Learn from the mistakes of the naughty Christmas elf as you and your loved ones celebrate the holiday season. While the holidays are a characteristically joyous time of year, they can also be hazardous if simple safety precautions aren’t followed. Learn from the mistakes of the naughty Christmas elf as you and your loved ones […]
Not all Imposters are Easy to Spot: Avoid Counterfeit Electronics
The saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it usually is.” should come to mind when you find electrical products that are far below competitor prices. But electrical products are uniquely hazardous when impersonated. They have not undergone testing by an independent laboratory, likely do not comply with industry safety requirements, and since its […]