Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) – Code Book
Download the GFCI Code Book The lifesaving capabilities of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) cannot be overstated. These devices have saved thousands of lives and significantly reduced the number of home electrocutions since they were first required in the bathrooms of homes by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 1975. Since then, the number of […]
Back to School: Take Charge – Electrical Safety
Electricity is all around us. Learning how to properly use electricity when charging your phone or other electronics can help you avoid painful injuries and keep the devices in working order Back to School Safety Do not play on or around utility poles or power lines; you can get hurt! Stay away from green box […]
ESFI Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (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. Electrical Contractors ESFI surveyed 100 electrical […]
Net Zero Energy Use & Energy Resilience
Net zero buildings produce the same amount of energy as they use. Learn how to make your home or business energy efficient while focusing on energy resiliency. Energy Independence Solar panels can create energy and store them in energy storage systems for later use When solar panels are paired with energy storage systems, you can […]
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Download Attachment According to the International Energy Agency, there were 10 million electric cars on the world’s roads at the end of 2020. Electric Vehicle (EV) Benefits EVs cost less to operate than traditional gas cars. They require no oil changes and less frequent brake replacements Charge your vehicle at home or at one of […]
Energy Resilience: Energy Storage Systems & Photovoltaics
Do you have solar panels or photovoltaic modules installed on your home or business? Having energy storage systems helps increase your energy efficiency by storing energy for use during peak hours or during a power outage. Reduce Power Grid Dependency Solar panels generate energy, charge batteries, and sell extra power back to the grid Energy […]
Building Operations and Maintenance
Over a 30-year period, maintenance and operations costs of a building account for 98% of the total cost, while the initial design and construction account for only 2%. By investing in preventative maintenance and upgrading to newer electrical systems, you can help reduce your total operation cost while also improving your environmental, social, and corporate […]
Energy Storage System Electrical Safety for First Responders
Understand the Unique Risks When Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Are Involved Where are Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Located Residential settings, usually near the electrical panel Microgrids Commercial Critical infrastructure Utilities Mitigation and Emergency Response Is the system active or shut down? Are there abnormal temperature readings? Is there smoke or toxic or flammable gas present? […]
Photovoltaic Safety for First Responders
Understand the Unique Risks when a PV (Solar) System is Involved Pre-Incident Planning Contact building officials to see where PV systems are installed. Request to be notified when new PV is installed PV Panels and Arrays Locate which portion of the roof has the PV system Follow conduit to locate where PV may be installed […]
Workplace Fatalities and Injuries 2003 – 2020
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 […]
Surge Protective Devices Misconceptions
A recent survey of facility professionals revealed mixed results on the knowledge of surge protection. Only surge protective devices, also known as transient voltage surge suppressors, protect against power surges. Fuses and breakers, GFCIs, wiring, low-cost uninterruptable power supplies, and typical power strips do not. A recent survey found that 79% of facility owners estimated […]
Avoid Utility Scams
Learn How to Avoid Common Phone Utility Scams According to the FTC, fraud complaints were received from more than 2.4 million people in 2022, showing a total loss of $8.8 billion, $2.6 billion of which were from impostor scams. Many of these scams are utility scams where scammers pretend to be representatives of utility companies […]