UGI Utilities » Electric Service » Safety » Safety Tips
SAFETY TIPS
Electric Cords
Check your cords often for fraying or damage and replace them if necessary. Use the right extension cord for the job - heavy-duty extension cords with power tools; moisture-resistant extension cords outdoors. Plus, place all cords safely out of the way so people don't trip over them.
Electrical Storms
Go indoors immediately; never seek shelter under a tree. If you're golfing, get in your golf cart and seek immediate shelter. If you're out in the open, seek the lowest ground possible. Even sitting or lying down can save your life. Also, stay away from water. Whether swimming or boating - get to dry land.
Fallen Wires
Assume that wires are energized and don't touch them. Call UGI and the police immediately. Stay away from fallen wires and warn others to keep away. If a wire is touching your vehicle, stay inside. If your car catches fire, it's important that you leave the vehicle immediately. Because metal conducts electricity, don't touch the car's metal and the ground at the same time. Jump clear of the vehicle for proper exit.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters)
This over current protection can be accomplished with the use of an Underwriter Laboratory (U.L.) approved GFCI circuit breaker or GFCI receptacle. The GFCI circuit breaker protects all electrical devices on the circuit. The GFCI receptacle protects all electrical devices energized through this receptacle and through all standard receptacles connected beyond this receptacle. The GFCI provides sensitive awareness of electric current, and is used in wet and moist areas. A few examples of these areas are bathrooms, within a specified area of a kitchen sink, pool areas and outside receptacles. This is not the complete listing of areas requiring GFCI protection. Contact your electrical inspector for this information. Whenever electrical work is required, a licensed electrical contractor should be contacted and, where required by local ordinance, must be contacted.
Indoor Electrical Fires
Without touching the appliance, unplug it or turn off the electrical supply. Use a Class C-rated fire extinguisher, if available. If not, throw baking soda on the fire - never use water on an electrical fire. If necessary, call your fire department.
Light Bulbs
Be sure to turn off light switches when you change a bulb. To avoid fire through overheating, use only bulbs of the appropriate wattage for the size of the fixture.
Outlets
Electric outlets are fascinating to small children. If you have children, or even if they're visiting your home, make sure you have installed safety plugs and outlet covers, which are available at most hardware stores and home project centers. Also, never overload your outlets. Too many cords plugged into one circuit creates an electrical hazard.
Pool Grounding
In addition to any lights or motors, all metal, non-storable swimming pools must be grounded to provide protection from electric shock. This grounding must be in accordance with article 680 of the current National Electrical Code. It is suggested that you contact your local fire underwriter electrical inspector for details and your local code enforcement office where applicable, for any local grounding requirements. As always, it is recommended that you use a qualified and, where applicable, licensed electrical contractor.
Trees Too Big?
Proper planting and tree-trimming procedures are necessary to help prevent interruption of electrical service. A service interruption can occur when branches contact power lines. These must be kept a safe distance from all electrical wires. To assure customer safety and reliable service, UGI maintains a coordinated vegetation management program that promotes proper tree selection and planting, as well as tree-trimming in the vicinity of power lines.
