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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Understanding Surge Protective Devices Survey
In 2021, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed industrial and commercial facility professionals, including managers, owners, building engineers, heads of maintenance, and related occupations. These professionals provided insights regarding power surge incidents and effects, as well as usage of Surge Protective Devices in the facilities they manage. SEE FULL SURVEY RESULTS Common Voltage Surge Causes: […]
Making Your Home Safe and Efficient
Connected to Safety Whether you’re working from home, learning from home, or just spending more time at home, it is important to make sure your home is electrically safe, secure, and efficient. Learn how the internet of things and smart devices can improve your quality of life and make your home safer. Home Energy Use […]
Temporary Power Safety
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) states that contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of construction workplace fatalities. However, temporary power is essential to construction worksites and poses a great risk to workers. Follow these steps to ensure proper safety procedures are met when working with or around temporary power. Setup […]
Installing Electric Vehicle Chargers
How to Prepare your Business Are you interested in installing electric vehicle chargers at your building or place of business? Adding Level 3 charging can attract new business or provide an incentive to employees while showing your corporate social responsibility. Level 3 chargers provide 60 – 80 miles of range in 20 minutes. Installation typically […]
What are Surge Protective Devices Video
Surge protective devices protect against downtime, improve system and data reliability, and reduce electrical failures. Electrical surge damage can be experienced in a single event or as the result of an accumulation of power surges. Lightning and external sources cost the U.S. economy an estimated $5-6 billion per year. A common source of power surges inside […]
What are Power Surges
Surges, or transients, are brief overvoltage spikes or disturbances of a power waveform that can damage, degrade, or destroy electronic equipment within any home, commercial building, or industrial and manufacturing facilities. Transients can reach amplitudes of tens of thousands of volts. Most equipment is designed to handle minor variations in their standard operating voltage. However, surges can […]
Surge Protective Devices: Critical Infrastructure
Critical Infrastructure depends on the reliability of electrical and electronic equipment. Ranging from medical services to IT and our nation’s transportation system, it is imperative these systems remain operational. On average, a typical building experiences over 150 power surges a month. While lightning and other external systems result in a significant number of surging events, […]
Overhead Power Line Safety Video – Non-Electrical Workers
40% of all electrical accidents on the job site are caused by overhead power lines Most of those incidents involve non-electrical workers When on the job site, remember to always look up, in all ways.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Guide for Electrical Equipment
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s guidance document NEMA GD 4-2020: COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Electrical Equipment establishes the responses of electrical manufacturers to common questions related to cleaning and disinfecting of electrical equipment. Recommendations: Ensure all required electrical safe work practices are followed before accessing any electrical component for any reason, including cleaning If possible, de-energize […]