Electric Blanket Fire Prevention
Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old. Learn how to stay safe. Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip, as […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
ESFI and UL Counterfeit Charger Short
Whether you need a replacement or just want an extra phone charger, sometimes it’s tempting to purchase an off-priced option rather than the expensive charger provided by the manufacturer. However, purchasing a bargain charger could have disastrous consequences not just for your phone, but for your safety. With this short video, ESFI and UL are […]
Brownouts
Protect Your Home From Brownouts Brownouts are intentional or unintentional drops in voltage from utilities or other power sources that can cause damage to your home’s electronics. Brownouts can cause damage to insulation and cause unexpected electronic failure in the future. A sustained brownout could cause damage to electronic motors that are in everyday appliances, […]
Power Outages
Protect Your Home When the Power Goes Out Power outages can lead to more than just your lights going out. Forcing sensitive electronics to shut down unexpectedly can result in data loss or damage to electrical systems. When power returns, a surge can damage TVs, appliances, and even heating and AC systems. Power outages can […]
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) Prevent Fires
Available as circuit breakers and receptacles. Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) protect against electrical fires from malfunctions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrical fires can be prevented by proper AFCI protection. Learn where AFCI protection is required in your home by the National Electrical Code: Bedrooms Closets Kitchens Laundry areas Living […]
AFCIs: Protecting Your Home From Fires
Home fires are more deadly and costly than ever. While the number of total fires and fire injuries is decreasing, property damage and fire deaths are on the rise. Each year arc-faults, caused by worn and inadequate wiring, overburdened circuits, outdated technology, and aging electrical systems, start more than 35,000 home fires causing over 1,130 […]