To ensure highest safety standards, all electrical wiring should be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority). Your house or apartment could be inadequately wired if:
- Lights dim and motors slow down when an appliance goes on.
- Fuses blow or circuit breakers trip frequently.
- Toasters or irons fail to heat properly.
- The television picture shrinks.
The following tips will help you ensure indoor electrical safety:
- Turn main power off before replacing a fuse or adjusting circuit breakers.
- Install outlets with a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) wherever water/moisture is nearby.
- Never pull a plug out by the cord.
- Regularly check wires, extension cords, and appliances for signs of wear.
- Where appliances and power tools have three wires use three-pronged plugs.
- Never touch appliances, wires, or electrical switches with wet hands or feet.
- Turn television sets and other appliances off during lightning storms.
- Smoke alarms are essential. They must be properly located, vacuumed and tested regularly.
- Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your home – It should be checked every six months.
- Use a class "C" all-purpose extinguisher on electrical fires. Never use water on an electrical fire.
- Never place electrical cords across traffic areas or under carpets.
- Be sure appliance and extension cords are not cracked or frayed.
- Purchase only devices, appliances, electrical equipment or appliances that have been approved by CSA or have Ontario Hydro Special Approval stickers.
- Don't plug too many appliances into one outlet.
- Never use any electrical appliance in the tub or shower.
- If there are small children in your house, use plastic safety caps in unused outlets.
- Never insert a metal object into an appliance without disconnecting the appliance.
- Set your water heater at the "medium" setting to avoid burns. Always perform the "elbow test" before placing an infant in the tub.
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