Construction Safety: Construction Laborer Safety
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction laborers have a high number of workplace electrical fatalities. A total of 60% of these fatalities occurred from contact with overhead power lines, while another 35% were caused by working on or near energized equipment or wires. 70% of all worker electrical fatalities occur in […]
Construction Safety: OSHA Top 4 Construction Hazards
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and deaths in the United States. Learn what you can do to prevent construction-related workplace injuries. OSHA Fatal 4 Electrocution Locate and identify utilities such as overhead power lines and underground wires before starting […]
Construction Safety: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics is one of the occupations with the most electrically-related workplace fatalities. A total of 90% of these workplace fatalities occur when a heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration mechanic comes in contact with energized equipment or parts on or near the […]
2023 AFCI and GFCI Performance Survey
In 2023, the Electrical Safety Foundation surveyed electrical contractor with experience in electrical contracting, design, engineering, and planning to gain an understanding of the performance of safety devices required in the National Electrical Code (NEC). This survey was conducted in Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and Washington with a focus on Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters […]
We are the Electrical Safety Foundation
The future is electric. With electrification comes the potential for greater hazards. To meet the needs of society, safety is imperative. Together, we can prevent over 6 injuries a day caused by electricity. The Electrical Safety Foundation meets its goals through worker outreach, consumer outreach, the safe use of emerging technology, thought leadership, and partnership […]
Surge Protection Highlights – Video Short
From 2017 to 2023, surge protective devices (SPD) have undergone major changes in the requirements set by the National Electrical Code. These changes are designed to better protect people and equipment from power surges. In 2017, surge protection was required for emergency elevators, dumb waiters, escalators, moving walks, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and fire pump […]
Prevent Facility Downtime with Surge Protective Devices – Video Short
A recent survey by ESFI and NEMA found that power surges are responsible for over 1/3 of unplanned outages and downtime in facilities across the country. Nearly ¾ of facilities experience unexpected downtime multiple times a year because of power surges. And we all know that downtime can have a significant impact on your bottom […]
Magnetic and Inductive Coupling Surges – Video Short
Power surges can happen anywhere. But 60 to 80% of them originate from equipment inside our buildings and facilities. Power surges can be caused by magnetic and inductive coupling from elevators, HVAC systems, variable frequency drives, computers, and more. Be aware that magnetic and inductive coupling can cause power surges and take steps to protect […]
Healthcare Surge Protection – Video Short
Surge protective devices (SPD) are required for emergency systems and for areas of nursing homes and limited care facilities used exclusively as patients’ sleeping rooms. SPDs protect critical infrastructure that help patients and also prevent the 3 D’s of power surges: destruction, disruption, and degradation. It’s important to be aware of the causes of […]
Common Surge External Causes – Video Short
Power surges can happen anywhere. But 60 to 80% of them originate from equipment inside our buildings and facilities. However, external sources are also known to cause havoc. Indirect lightning events, power grid switching, and damage to power lines or transformers are all capable of causing power surges in your facility. It’s important to be […]
Benefits of Surge Protective Devices – Video Short
Voltage surges can damage equipment and lead to unexpected downtime. While GFCIs, fuses and breakers, and consumer UPSs help meet your facility’s safety requirements, only surge protective devices (SPD) can prevent the three D’s of power surges: destruction, disruptions, and degradation. A power surge can happen so fast that a typical circuit breaker cannot detect […]
Downed Power Lines – Video Short
If you come across a downed power line, always assume the line is live and dangerous. Power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet in diameter, that’s about three car lengths. If the ground is wet, it could be even more. Immediately call 911 to report the downed line. Never try to move […]