SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY

Introduction

 

 

Electricity has become part of our daily lives. It has brought convenience and comfort to the home, and efficiency and productivity to industry and the work place. The rewards of using electricity are great. At the flick of a switch electricity can heat, cool, light, cook, clean and entertain. Properly utilized, electricity can save us time, effort and money.

 

However, if we are not wise and knowledgeable consumers, the results can be expensive, injurious and even deadly. This booklet is intended to inform the Customer user on safety guidelines in the use of ECG.

 

 

 

How is Electricity Generated?

Generation Process

 

 

A rotating generator produces electricity. A generator can be rotated by means of a turbine or diesel engine. Turbines are driven by water or steam.

 

 

How is Electricity Distributed?

 

 

 

 

Electricity leaves the generating/power plant and is sent over high power transmission lines to the load center. Using transformers, electricity is stepped up to very high voltages for it to travel those long distances, to the load centers. ‘When it reaches those load centers, the electricity is then stepped down to the required levels, ones again using step down transformers.

 

 

Electricity travels through conductors. A conductor is a material that electricity can flow through e.g. Metals such as copper and aluminum or water. A cable carries electricity from the distribution wires to the meter-box in the premises. The meter measures how much electricity the people in the house use. From the meter box, wires run through consumers distribution panels to serve socket outlets and lights.

 

Electricity travels in a circuit. When you switch on an appliance, you complete the circuit, electricity flows along power lines to the outlet, through the power cord into the appliance, then back through the cord to the outlet and out to the power lines again to complete the circuit.

 

Insulators wiring and fuses.

Dripping clothes should be hung away from power lines

 

 

Adequate and safe wiring is the first step to the safe use of electricity. Electricity does not easily travel through glass, rubber, fibre glass, wax, porcelain or plastic service. Wires that carry electricity are usually covered or insulated with rubber or plastic to keep the energy in the wire. If this insulation is broken or wears off, electricity can come through and either shock or kill you. Again if you overload an outlet by plugging in many things, cord insulation can overheat and posing threats to both human and animal lives and prove to shocks and fire hazards.

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What you should do

·         Have ECG inspect the wiring in new or renovated buildings before electricity is connected.

·         Have existing wiring inspected every five years.

·         Have repairs done by a qualified electrician.

 

Wall Sockets, Plugs and Cords

 

DO

·         Always use fused plugs.

·         Replace burnt fuses with those of an identical rating.

·         Ensure that plugs are connected to cords properly and by a knowledgeable person.

·         Use the shortest cord or extension cable.

·         Situate cords outside of normal traffic so people will not trip on them.

·         Keep cords away from water and heat at all times.

·         Inspect cords regularly; replace a broken one with a new one.

·         Replace damaged or worn out cords.

·         Replace damaged or worn out cords.

Replace damaged or worn outs cords.

·          Switch off the power before removing plugs.

·         Seal outlets with plug covers when not in use.

·         Replace broken wall sockets or missing covers.

·         Ensure that sockets in bathrooms are placed high and take care to keep them dry.

·         Apply to ECG for additional power loads before adding more sockets to your home.

 

Ensure sockets in bath rooms are placed high

DON’T.

·          Put anything other than a good quality plug into a wall socket.

·         Overload sockets with plugs, adapters or extensions.

·          Run electrical cords or extensions under carpets or where they will be prone to excessive wear or damage or causes someone to trip over them.

·         Use any kind of tape as a temporary repair measure.

·         Remove plugs from sockets by pulling the cord.

·         Attempt to repair or replace damaged or brittle electrical cords.

·         Put your finger or anything else other than an electric plug or safety cap in an outlet.

 

Don’t put your finger or anything else other than electric

plug in an outlet

 

Appliances, Bulbs and Lamps

 

DO

·         Ensure your new electrical appliances come with an instruction manual you can understand well.

·         Read instructions carefully and keep the manual within easy reach.

·         Be certain supply voltage is the same as the operating voltage (always check the rating plate on the appliance).

·         Check the manual first if an appliance

·         Use appliance and cables which are in visibly good condition.

·         Unplug all appliances when not in use.

·         Check appliances and cables for damage on a regular basis.

·         Switch off a kettle or iron when leaving the room even for a few minutes.

 

Turn handles of cooking utensils towards the wall when

Cooking

·         Make sure the iron is thoroughly cool before putting it away.

·         Turn off power and allow bulbs to cool before attempting to change them.

·         Keep clothing and other flammable material away from electric bulbs8

·         If you bring used or second hand appliances to your house, make sure they are still electronically safe.

·         Disconnect appliances when cleaning.

 

DON’T.......................

·         Use lamp shades with bulbs which exceed the recommended wattage.

·         Touch moving parts of an appliance.

·         Let cables or cords touch hot surfaces or come in contact with moving parts.

·         Operate appliances if it malfunctions or is dropped.

·         Leave appliances on unattended.

·         Fill appliances with water above maximum levels indicated.

·         Exceed maximum running times suggested on the instructions.

·         Use a metal fork or knife to dislodge bread stuck in a toaster.

Do not use a metal fork or knife to dislodge bread stuck in a toaster

·         Leave an iron lying flat on unattended while hot.

·         Let an iron come into contact with the cable or cord.

 

    Keep children away from hot Irons and all appliances with moving parts

 

 

Electricity and Water DO NOT Mix

 

Water is good conductor of electricity and improper use of it can cause serious injury or death.

 

DON’T

·         DON’T use an electrical appliance on a moist or wet surface and never touch one if your skin or hands are wet.

·         DON’T touch plumbing and grounded electrical appliances at the same time.

·         DON’T operate appliance around water like a sink, bathtub or swimming pool.

 

Keep away from electricity and electrical appliances

 

 

Children and Electricity

 

It’s important to educate children on the dangers of electricity at an early age. Parents are ultimately responsible for creating a safe environment in the home. NEVER leave children unsupervised, especially in the kitchen. The following basic safety tips could help prevent accidents with children.

 

DO

·         Seal wall sockets with safety plugs or better still, use specially-made safety sockets.

·         Children should not be allowed to play on or near substations or transformers, nor should they throw anything at them.

·         Children should not swim or play outside on a rainy day. Water and tall things attract lightning.

 

Children should not be allowed to play on or near substations or transformers

Keep children away from hot irons, hair dryers and all appliances with moving parts.

Turn handles of cooking utensils towards the wall during cooking. Instruct children not to climb trees near power lines or throw objects at the lines. (Climbing or touching a tree whose branches are in contact with overhead power lines could lead to an electric shock, especially in wet conditions). Instruct children against sticking anything into wall sockets. Plug house hold appliances when not in use.

 

Kite flying should always be done on sunny days well away from overhead lines and/or transformers. Always use dry string, wood and paper in kite construction, never use wire or anything metallic. Never use electric wires as drying lines.

Kite flying should always be done on sunny days well away

from overhead lines

 

 

If a kite or model airplane is stuck in a power line, transformer or substation, DON’T attempt to remove it. Call the nearest ECG office for assistance.

Instruct children against sticking anything into socket

 

Faults or More Information

Any complaint or problems encountered may be directed at the ECG District Office that serves your area or

Call: 0302-611611