Workplace Safety – Know When to Say When
While qualified electrical line workers and electricians are often willing to go above and beyond the call, some jobs require specific knowledge and experience. That’s why it’s important to stop and reassess a situation if there is ever doubt about a job’s task or a procedure’s requirement. If a new issue arises on the job, […]
How to Become an Electrician
Interested in Becoming an Electrician? Contact your local NECA/IBEW or IEC Chapter Growing Demand in a Growing Industry The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics states that job prospects of electricians are double the average of all occupations, and many employers report difficulty finding qualified applicants. By joining an apprenticeship program by the […]
ESFI Counterfeit Extension Cord Short
While they may save you money in the short term, you could end up paying a serious price for bargain extension cords. ESFI is reminding consumers to beware of counterfeit electrical products, including extension cords. Be sure to check out our library of resources to help identify and avoid dangerous counterfeit electrical products.
National Electrical Code: Understanding the Electrical Safety Cycle
The Electrical Safety Cycle, built from codes and standards, is the first line of defense against potential electrical hazards. The Electrical Safety Cycle Identifying the Problem Government agencies and testing laboratories provide statistics, data, and research to identify emerging safety issues Identifying the Solution New technology is created to mitigate hazards not addressed in previous […]
National Electrical Code: Understanding the Code that Keeps Us Safe
Electricity is everywhere and it affects every aspect of our lives. However, it isn’t until we lose power that we realize just how much we take electricity for granted. Codes and Standards help us use electricity in a safe and efficient manner. What is an Electrical Standard Standards serve as the foundation of our electrified […]
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories – Certifying Safety
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use. The Importance of NRTL Certification NRTL certification means that electronics, when used as intended, are: Up to code: Electronics with NRTL certification undergo independent testing to ensure they […]
Workplace Fatalities and Injuries 2003 – 2016
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and Survey of Occupational Injuries (SOII) to distill information specifically pertaining to fatal and nonfatal occupational electrical injuries. Each year the ESFI publishes electrical injury information in tabular and graphical form on our website. The […]
Electric Shock Drowning – Water and Electricity Don’t Mix
Electric Shock Drowning (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, which could ultimately result in drowning. How to Avoid Electric Shock Drowning Locate and label all power switches to the pool, hot tub, spa equipment, and […]
Surge Protection – More than an Accessory
Summary In 2017, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) conducted a survey of electrical designers, planners, and engineers and found that there was a limited understanding of the purpose and effectiveness of surge protection devices. In response to the survey results, ESFI created educational materials to spread awareness of surge protection. An important factor revealed […]
Electric Shock Drowning – Unknown Danger Lurking in the Water
Docks and boats carry sources of electricity. Faulty wiring or the use of damaged electrical cords and other devices can cause the surrounding water to become energized. NEVER swim near a marina or near a boat while its running. There is no visible warning to electrified water Electric current in the water causes the paralysis […]
Water Damaged Electrical Equipment
Water and electricity do not mix. Follow this guide to quickly see what equipment must be replaced and which electronics may be reconditioned. Any water-damaged equipment even if thoroughly dried will pose serious long-term safety and fire risk if not properly reconditioned. ESFI recommends that the evaluation of water-damaged electrical equipment be conducted by qualified […]
How to Avoid Electrical Counterfeits
Using qualified electricians and purchasing from reputable distributors and retailers gives you: safety, security, and the backing of the Manufacturer. Purchasing Counterfeits Has Consequences Counterfeits Have low-quality components Are unregulated and untested Unsafe and not backed by a manufacturer warranty Could lead to identity theft if purchased from a non-reputable vendor Counterfeit’s Unintentional Consequences $1.38 […]
