Be Safe at Home
Electrical Safety Tips
Follow these tips and help make your home safe and comfortable.
Home Wiring
- Always call a qualified electrician to do any wiring in your home.
Fuses
- If a fuse blows, turn off all appliances and lights on the circuit before changing the fuse.
- Don't try to replace a fuse in the dark. Use a flashlight.
- Replace a blown fuse with one of the correct rating – never with a higher one.
- Periodically check that plug-type fuses are snug. A loose fuse can overheat.
- Never replace a fuse with a coin or metal object.
Cords and Plugs
- When disconnecting an appliance, pull the plug, not the cord.
- Keep all cords away from heat and water.
- If multiple electrical connections are required use a properly rated power bar.
- Do not break off or bypass the third prong of a plug. It's there because it's needed for safety reasons.
- Always use extension cords that are properly rated for the load.
- Never use cords or plugs that show any wear or damage.
- Don't place a cord under a carpet, through a doorway, or anywhere that it could be stepped on.
- Never remove a plug when your hands are wet or when touching a metal object.
Appliances
- Buy appliances and tools bearing the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) seal.
- Unplug the toaster before prying out toast that is wedged in.
- Never use electrical tools or appliances near water.
Outdoors
- If you use an electric lawnmower, only cut the grass when it's dry. Do not mow the lawn when it's raining.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters on all plugs located outdoors.
- Keep your radio and appliances away from swimming pools or wet surfaces.
- Never prune or cut down a tree near a power line, call BC Hydro first.
- If you have an underground electrical service, call BC One Call at 1 800 474-6886 before digging.
Power Tools
- Always unplug power tools when they are not in use or when changing an attachment on them.
- Never operate power tools near water.
- Do not stand on a damp floor or wet grass when operating power tools.
- Avoid using power tools where it's possible for you to touch a grounded object such as a water faucet.
- Keep ventilation openings clean to prevent overheating.
- When unplugging, detach the cord from the wall socket first, then from the tool.
Extension Cords
- Keep your extension cords away from water.
- Do not use a two pronged extension cord outdoors.
- Always use extension cords that are properly rated for the load.
- Never break off or bypass the grounding prong on a three-pronged plug.
- Worn cords can cause shocks and fires. Do not use them!
- When removing a plug from a socket, pull on the plug and not on the cord.
