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Understanding Electric Vehicles

  Connected to Safety Are you purchasing, or have you recently purchased, an electric vehicle? Learn about the different charging options you have and how to charge your electric vehicle safely.  HOME CHARGING: ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE) Before using a charger, ensure the equipment has been listed by a  Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NTRL) Have a qualified electrician inspect your home to ensure your electrical system can handle charging Ensure both the charger and charging cord do not have damage before use LEVEL 1 EVSE CHARGING Level 1 provides charging through a standard household plug. 2-5 miles of range per hour charged Ensure your charger or receptacle has  GFCI protection  to prevent accidental shocks and electrocution  Ensure you are using a dedicated circuit to charge your vehicle. The circuit should not provide power to any other appliance  Use a manufacturer-provided charging cord LEVEL 2 EVSE CHARGING Prov...
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Understanding Surge Protective Devices Survey

  In 2021, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed industrial and commercial facility professionals, including managers, owners, building engineers, heads of maintenance, and related occupations. These professionals provided insights regarding power surge incidents and effects, as well as usage of Surge Protective Devices in the facilities they manage.  SEE FULL SURVEY RESULTS Common Voltage Surge Causes: Switching of Electrical Loads Lightning  Faulty Wiring and/or Connections Damage to Power Lines Install Surge Protective Devices to Prevent Downtime and Protect Equipment Surge Protective Devices Work 79% of facilities state that Surge Protective Devices have cut down on the amount of downtime and equipment failure Unplanned Outages Causes 34% of unplanned outages are caused by power surges and unexpected resetting or misoperation of equipment (commonly causes by power surges) Unexpected downtime is common with over 72% of facilities surveyed experiencing...

Workplace Fatalities and Injuries 2003 – 2020

  The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and Survey of Occupational Injuries (SOII) to distill information specifically pertaining to fatal and nonfatal occupational electrical injuries. Each year the ESFI publishes electrical injury information in tabular and graphical form on our website. The most recent data covers electrical injuries from 1992 – 2020 and fatalities from 2003 – 2020 but mainly focuses on 2011 – 2020 data. Download all tables and figures.  Fatal Electrical Injuries There were 126 electrical fatalities in 2020. A 24% decrease over 2019 and the lowest number of electrical fatalities recorded (recording started in 2003) There was a 10% drop in total hours worked in the United States in 2020 Contact with / exposure to electric current accounted for 2.6% of all fatalities in 2020. This is a 19% drop from 2019 and a return to 2017 levels. Electrical fatality ...

Energy Storage System Electrical Safety for First Responders

  Understand the Unique Risks When Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Are Involved Where are Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Located Residential settings, usually near electrical panel Microgrids Commercial Critical infrastructure  Utilities Mitigation and Emergency Response Is the system active or shut down? Are there abnormal temperature readings? Is there smoke or toxic or flammable gas present? Has the fire suppression system been activated? Qualified personnel should be contacted to find system status and response procedures  Identify the Hazard Location and type of battery systems Reference any pre-planning documents Reference any safety data sheets Shutdown Communicate shutdown to all personnel. Level of shutdown may depend on level of incident Secure all non-essential power. May require qualified person to assist  Shut down small breakers before main breaker Shut off main battery disconnect; energy storage systems may still provide power Do not enter utility substatio...

Building Operations and Maintenance

  Over a 30-year period, maintenance and operations costs of a building account for 98% of the total cost, while the initial design and construction accounts for only 2%. By investing in preventative maintenance and upgrading to newer electrical systems, you can help reduce your total operation cost while also improving your environmental, social, and corporate governance. Deferring maintenance can lead to Unscheduled downtime Lower lifespan of equipment Continuation or increase of environmentally harmful emissions  Benefits of Proper Maintenance Mission Related Improved reliability Improved productivity and functionality Compliance Related Fewer accidents and injuries Fewer building-related illnesses Fewer insurance claims, lawsuits, and regulatory violations Condition Related Improved condition  Reduced backlog of deferred maintenance and repair  Less reactive, unplanned maintenance and repair Efficient Operations Lower operating cost Lower life cycle cost Cost avo...

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters | Electrical Work

     Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters   Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) were first introduced in the bathrooms of homes as required by the 1975 edition of the National Electrical Code. Prior to 1975, only outdoor receptacles and receptacles near swimming pools require GFCI protection. Since then, GFCI requirements grew as in-home electricity use and the amount of potential contact with water and electricity in homes increase.  In the ten years between 1971 and 1980, there was an estimated average of 1,101 electrocutions in the United States, including 491 consumer product electrocutions every year. As GFCI requirements expanded, the number of electrocutions dropped significantly. Between 2011 and 2022, there was an estimated average of 246 electrocutions and year, including 41 consumer product electrocutions.  GFCI Facts 80% drop in electrocutions since the introduction of GFCI protection in bathrooms in 1975 93% drop in consumer product electrocu...