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Arc Faults & Ground Faults – Suggestions & Tips #19

July 10, 2015 by Grassroots Leave a Comment

arc_fault_ground_fault

Arc faults & ground faults are not the same!

You may already be familiar with a ground fault, that’s when electricity travels outside its intended path looking for the shortest route to the ground. If you are grounded (touching the ground or something resting on the ground, like a ladder) and you touch something that is energized your body becomes that shortest route to ground. You can also become part of the path to ground by touching water and electricity. Either way, you could be hurt or worse yet, die.

On the other hand, an arc fault is caused by damaged, overheated or electrical wiring / devices placed under too high a demand. They can also occur with older frayed / cracked wires or if a nail damages a wire in a wall. As homes are being transformed by the demands of new electrical devices, many existing homes are not equipped to handle this resulting in a greater risk of arc faults and arc-induced fires, a cause of a large percentage of home electrical fires and deaths.

You can increase protection from ground faults and arc faults by using Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). They do not perform the same function however…

  • GFI receptacle (pictured left above) protects people against severe or fatal electric shocks
  • AFCI (pictured right above) is a device that replaces the standard circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel protects against fires caused by arcing faults.

Changes in the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) made AFCI’s required on bedroom circuits in new home construction, and now the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code requires all branch circuits with 125 volt receptacles rated 20 amps or less to be protected (with exceptions). However, many existing homes lag behind in keeping up to date as there is no requirement to install them in older homes…but it makes sense to do so. The 2008 edition of the US National Electrical Code (NEC) had expanded requirements for AFCI installation to additional areas of the home, including dining rooms and family rooms.

AFCI’s should only be installed or replaced by a licensed, qualified electrician. They should be tested after installation and once each month to make sure they are working properly. Follow the device manufacturer’s testing instructions. If the device does not trip when tested, it should be replaced.

Filed Under: All, Electrical, Safety & Environmental, Suggestions & Tips Tagged With: arc fault, electrical safety, fire hazard, ground fault, shock hazard

Overhead Electrical Service & Trees / Vegetation – Suggestions & Tips #171

November 24, 2016 by Grassroots Leave a Comment

overhead-electrical-service-trees-vegetation

As you might imagine, there are certain clearances that electrical wires / power lines must have, for example, when they cross over roads, driveways, roofs, pools, walkways and when near fire escapes, windows & doors. Furthermore, these clearances become problematic when vegetation, such as trees, shrubs and the likes interfere with them. In picture shown here, the incoming electrical service wires are resting directing on a tree branch.

So, what’s the problem? When these electrical wires come in contact with vegetation, a number of issues can arise. For example, the electrical wires themselves can become damaged or frayed from rubbing against the vegetation. In windy weather, these electrical wires can sway and move as the vegetation does. During different seasons, leaves on the trees (or snow / ice) can weigh the branches down yet in spring or fall you thought there was plenty of clearance. If the vegetation interferes with the electrical wires in these scenarios it can affect the securement where the service entrance wires / drip loops are at the house or at the pole. Then wires can become disconnected and you lose power, or cause a poor / intermittent connection.

What are some of the consequences? Ultimately, they are  above are fire / shock hazards. If the tree is old, or there’s a storm / high wind and tree branches fall they can bring with them the “live / hot” electrical wires, disrupting power supply to your home and a fire / shock hazard. In addition, electrical wires worn by vegetation can not only cause a fire but may energize the tree / vegetation itself, making it a shock hazard if someone touches them.

Here are some Do’s & Don’ts:

  • Do contact your local utility company before doing anything (including hiring a contractor to take care of the problem) if you think trees or vegetation are too close or touching the overhead electrical wires.
  • Don’t attempt to prune vegetation or chop down a tree near electrical wires yourself. A tree or branch falling onto the electrical wires can cause serious injury or death. Arcing may occur simply by cutting a branch near electrical wires when it falls leading to electrocution. Don’t prune back vegetation or trees yourself, this job should be left to a professional certified utility arborist.
  • Don’t think that using tools with long handles or standing on a ladder is a safe way to cut back the vegetation. This just greatly increases your odds of electrocution.
  • Do be aware of all overhead electrical wires that run across your property.
  • Do use extreme caution with ladders and long metal objects when around or in close proximity overhead electrical wires.
  • Don’t touch any overhead electrical wires with anything.
  • Don’t let anyone climb trees or get near vegetation that is in contact or in close proximity to the electrical wires.

Always consult a professional before assessing or attempting any work around or near overhead electrical wires.

Filed Under: All, Electrical, Safety & Environmental, Suggestions & Tips Tagged With: electrocution, fire hazard, overhead electrical wires, power lines, shock hazard, trees, vegetation

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