■ play it safe GOODTO KNOW:
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection for cord- and plug- connected pumps on pools, spas, and hot tubs, 120-volt underwater lighting fixtures, and receptacle outlets in the vicinity of pools, spas and hot
tubs.The code prohibits electrical installations closer than five feet from water and requires GFCI protection for all electrical equipment located five to 10 feet from water and for receptacles within a 20-foot perimeter.
Poolside Safety Be aware of electrical hazards around water and stay alive
BY GUY DALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY & LOSS CONTROL
E •
veryone knows that water and electricity are bad company. It’s a fact that hasn’t changed much over the years. What has changed, however, is the number of electronic gadgets, plug-in appliances, tools and electric powered gadgets that we rely on nowadays. We have power outlets on our porches and patios, at the poolside and on the boat dock. These environments are the prime location for fun—and serious electrical accidents.
Avoid the emergency room this summer by heeding these safety tips.
Summer is the season for swimming and boating. Awareness of electrical hazards around water can prevent deaths and injuries.
Sailboats often have masts of 30 feet or more, which are dangerous when they come into contact with overhead
12 | june 2013
power lines. Staying at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines can help prevent lethal electrical hazards.
• Use outlet covers on outdoor receptacles near swimming pools.
•
Make sure the electrical connections to your pools and hot tubs are fully grounded. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30
• • •
Keep cords and electrical devices away from pools.
Never handle electrical items when you are wet.
Electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, GFCIs, receptacles, plugs and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Replace them if they get wet.
•
Don’t let power cord connections become wet. Outdoors, dangers such as power lines in contact with water can pose electrical hazards. Indoors, submerged outlets or electrical cords could energize the water, a potential lethal trap. Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use.
• When using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid electric shock.
• In the event of an emergency, know where your circuit breakers are and how to safely turn them off.
Remember, if you’re unsure about a electrical safety situation, please don’t hesitate to contact your co-op at 800-780-6486. At Choctaw Electric, the safety of our employees and our membership is always “priority one.”
Have a safe summer! ■
Guy Dale oversees safety programs for Choctaw Electric Cooperative. He also teaches electrical safety classes and CPR courses. To schedule a class, please call him at 800-780-6486, ext. 227.
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