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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Downed Power Line Safety – Always Assume Downed Lines are Live
Downed power lines can be deadly. ALWAYS assume a downed power line is live and avoid going near it or anything in contact with it. Use Precaution Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away. Even more in wet conditions. Never drive over downed power lines or through water that is in contact […]
Hurricane Electrical Safety – Eyeing the Storm
The Atlantic hurricane season is June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. On average there are 6 hurricanes, three of which are categorized as “major,” each year. History provides important examples of the potentially dangerous impact hurricanes can have and the need to be prepared. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. […]
Disaster Safety Pre-Storm Safety and Post-Storm Recovery
Natural disasters leave thousands of consumers without power, and flooding associated with tropical storms and hurricanes often causes severe or permanent damage to electrical equipment. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of rebuilding and renovating safely after a storm to prevent injuries, deaths, and electrical fires. Download […]
Tornado Electrical Safety
To be prepared for a tornado, it is critical to be familiar with tornado warning signs. Although tornadoes vary greatly in their appearance and provide little or no warning, the following signs can indicate that a tornado could be imminent. A dark, often greenish sky. A wall cloud, particularly if it is rotating. Large hail. […]
Don’t Shock the Neighborhood
Don’t operate your generator without a transfer switch Transfer switches isolate utility power and generator power to prevent backfeeding, which can be deadly. Backfeed can follow wires and harm those nearby, including utility workers making repairs. Transfer switches also protect the home from electrical fires caused by short circuits and improper connections. Transfer switches should […]
Portable Generator Safety – Generate Safety
Before use, learn about the potential dangers associated with portable generators, such as their production of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless poisonous gas that is called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of technology like CO alarms. Follow these tips to generate power AND safety […]
Flood Electrical Safety: High Water, High Stakes
Flooding can occur anywhere, but water and electricity don’t mix. Because electrical hazards may linger after flood waters recede, it’s important to take precautions before, during, and after flooding takes place. Know the Danger On average, more deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other severe weather related hazard. In the past […]
Lightning Electrical Safety
In the first quarter of 2017 alone, thunderstorms caused a record $5.7 billion in losses, and lightning kills and average of 30 people a year. Learn how to keep you, your family, and property safe from lightning. Lightning is Deadly An average of 22,600 fires were caused by lightning between 2007 and 2011 According to […]
