Electricity is made at a power plant by huge generators.

Most power plants use coal,

but some use natural gas, water or even wind.
The current is sent through transformers to increase the voltage to push the power
long distances.
The electrical charge goes through high-voltage transmission lines that stretch across
the country.
It reaches a substation, where the voltage is lowered so it can be sent on smaller
power lines.
It travels through distribution lines to your neighborhood, where smaller pole-top
transformers reduce the voltage again to take the power safe to use in our homes.
It connects to your house through the service drop and passes through a meter that
measures how much our family uses.
The electricity goes to the service panel in your basement or garage, where breakers or
fuses protect the wires inside your house from being overloaded.
Kids, never touch a service panel! It is only to be operated by your parents or a
professional.
The electricity travels through wires inside the walls to the outlets and switches all over
your house.
Generation facilities
Most electricity is made by turbine blades rotating at speeds high enough to produce electricity
in a generator. The blades can be turned by water, steam or wind.
High-voltage switchyard
The electricity flows through metal conduction to a switchyard, where a transformer steps up
voltage for transmission.

Transmission lines
Transmission lines can efficiently carry high-voltage electricity over long distance to substations

Substations
At substations, electricity is stepped down so it can travel over smaller distribution lines to
homes and businesses.

Distribution lines
Distribution lines carry electricity to neighborhoods

Transformer
An electric-pole transformer reduces the voltage to a level that can be used in homes.

fuse

Electric connection device devised for interrupting

the current in the event of electric overload by
melting one of its components.

Overhead electricity-distribution line with a

maximum tension of 750 volts; its conductors are
located under the transformer.

examples of fuses

overhead connection

distribution panel

medium-tension distribution line

Set of devices forming the junction of the public

electricity grid and the electric circuits of a
dwelling.

Overhead electricity-distribution lines with tension

between 750 and 50,000 volts; its conductors are
located at the top of the poles.

distribution panel

overhead connection
neutral conductor

service box

Conductor of a distribution line that, connected to

a neutral point of the grid, returns the current.

Metal box containing the main switch.

main switch
Mechanism allowing a dwellings current to be cut
off.
electricity meter
Device measuring the consumption of electricity
by a dwelling.

supply point
Place where the customers service entrance is
connected to the low-tension distribution line.
customers service entrance
The customers portion of the electric hookup:
from the service box to the connection point.
connection point
Place where the customers electric hookup is
connected to the electric grid.

electricity meter

phase conductor
Live wire conducting the electric current.

distributor service loop

Set of conductors extending the distribution line to
the customers connection point.
ground wire
Metal conductor inserted into the ground ensuring
that accidental electric leakages are conducted to
the earth.
low-tension distribution line

What Are The Leading Causes of Electrical Accidents?

Unsafe Acts
There are 2 reasons for unsafe acts:
We know better but intentionally do
something unsafe.
We don't know better.

Avoid the following unsafe acts:

Failure to de-energize, lockout & tagout hazards during maintenance, repair or inspections.

Use of defective and unsafe tools.

Use of tools or equipment too close to energized parts.

Not draining off stored energy in capacitors.

Using 3-wire cord with a 2-wire plug.

Removing the third prong (ground pin) to make a 3-prong plug fit a 2-prong outlet.

Overloading outlets with too many appliances.

Using the attached electrical cord to raise or lower equipment.

Not verifying power is off when making repair (drilling into a 110 Volt a.c. line can kill).

Working in an elevated position near overhead lines.

Unsafe Equipment
Some common causes of unsafe equipment:
Loose connections
Faulty insulation
Improper grounding (removal of 3rd prong)
Use of "homemade" extension cords

Defective parts
Unguarded live parts--for example:
Bare conductors or exposed terminals
Metal parts of equipment may become energeized
when connected by cord or plug. Capacitance may cause up to
55% of line voltage to be stored on the casing of metal tools.

Hazardous Environments
Use special precautions when working in potentially hazardous
environments and situations. Even an accidental static discharge
can cause a fire or explosion in areas where the following are
present:
Flammable vapors, liquids and gasses
Combustible dusts
Corrosive atmospheres
Explosive environments
Poor housekeeping: blocked electrical boxes, flammable
materials stored in equipment rooms, lack of proper hazard signs,
excess clutter.
Special care is also need in wet or damp locations - water and electricity are a bad combination. If the wire is
frayed or damaged, a fatal electrical shock can result.

This example of an outlet in a puddle with its

cord in a traffic area is an example of a
potentially dangerous situation.

Cords and Plugs

According to the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), electrical cords and plugs are responsible for the
most civilian deaths related to electrical accidents each year. Yet these are among the easiest hazards to avoid: Never use
a cord or plug with evidence of burning, melting or any other visible damage. If the insulation is damaged or missing, or the
cord has come loose from the plug, replace the whole thing; never use a cord repaired with electrical tape.

Extension cords (including power strips and surge protectors) are the biggest offenders in the cord category. Don't use
extension cords for permanent hookups, conceal them in any way (especially under carpeting) or expose them to water or
possible damage. Always use the right cord for the job, such as 3-prong grounded cords for all appliances and tools that
require grounding. Also make sure the cord's capacity well exceeds the demand of what's plugged into it; heavier-gauge
cords can handle more current than lighter-gauge cords. Avoid using 3-prong adapters to plug grounded cords into 2-prong
outlets (while theoretically possible, the chances of a true ground existing here are extremely slight).
Fixtures and Appliances
Misuse of lamps and light fixtures is another top cause of electrical accidents. As harmless as it seems, using a 100-watt
bulb in a 60-watt fixture (for example), can melt the fixture wires, creating a shock and fire hazard. The same danger exists
when plugging a cord into an adapter outlet that screws into a light bulb socket. As for appliances, don't use any device that
sparks, smokes, buzzes, emits a burning smell or shows any cord damage. Unplug appliances before cleaning them.
Never operate an appliance or equipment while standing in water.
House Wiring/Wiring Systems
Fixed wiring is the second-leading cause of electrical-related house fires. Potential problems with household wiring
systems can range from overloaded circuits (and improperly rated or installed circuit breakers) to damaged wires to loose
connections on switches, outlets and other devices. Since most electrical wiring is behind the scenes-and beyond the
realm of common knowledge-the best way to prevent a wiring-related electrical accident is to have your home inspected by
a certified electrical inspector. This pro can look for all of the most common hazards and advise you about correcting
problems and how much the solutions might cost.
Wet Areas
GFCI (ground-fault circuit-interrupter) outlets are required in all bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors and other
potentially wet areas in and around the home. If you don't have these in your wet areas, have them installed as soon as
possible (don't worry, it doesn't require rewiring). GFCIs protect against a variety of common electrical accidents, including
shock or fire from electrical current reaching water, faulty appliance and tool wiring and other ground-fault hazards.
With All Due Respect...
As a general rule, the best approach to preventing electrical accidents is to treat this often underrated power source with
respect. This means actually following the advice written in product manuals and on the little labels on cords, appliances,
fixtures and other devices. It also means purchasing and using only electrical products that are approved by an
independent testing group, such as Underwriters Laboratories ("UL") or ETL-SEMCO ("ETL"). Never modify or tamper with
electrical equipment, and don't be lazy about repairing or replacing any old, outdated or damaged devices, including all
those feeble extension cords you've been using for years (you're pushing your luck with those)

Electrical safety hazards such as exposure to shock and Arc-Flash can be caused by:
1.
2.

Carelessness
Worn or broken conductor insulation

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Exposed live parts

Loose wire connections
Improperly maintained switches and circuit breakers
Obstructed disconnect panels
Water or liquid near electrical equipment
High voltage cables
Static electricity
Damaged tools and equipment

Top 10 Rules for Electric Safety

To play it safe around your home, just remember the rules for using electricity the right way.
1. DON'T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or
extension cord.
It could damage the electrical system in your house or even
cause a fire.
2. Make sure all electric cords are tucked away, neat and
tidy.
Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and
fall.

3. DON'T ever climb the fence around an electrical

substation.
If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown-up to call the
electric company - they'll come and get it out for you.

4. DON'T yank an electrical cord from the wall.

Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the
outlet.

5. Fly your kite far away from power lines or substations.

The kite and the string may conduct electricity - sending it right
through you to the ground.
6. Ask a grown-up for help when you need to use something
that uses electricity.

7. DO look up and look out for power lines before you

climb a tree.
The electricity can go right through the tree branch - and right
through you!
8. Have a grown-up put safety caps on all unused
electrical outlets.
Covering outlets will also help save energy by stopping cold
drafts.

9. Remind your mom or dad to watch out for power

lines when they're using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor
equipment.
10. Keep electrical stuff far away from water.
Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people
use electricity near water.

21 Golden Safety Rules

Rule no. 1 Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. Please dont make fun of this rule if you
already know this (and you probably already know if you are reading these lines) and remember that if
something bad occurs you probably wont have second chance. Thats not funny.
Rule no. 2 Treat all electrical devices as if they are live or energized. You never know.
Rule no. 3 Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment. The only way to
be sure.
Rule no. 4 Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical
devices.Easy to check.
Rule no. 5 Never use metallic pencils or rulers, or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with
electrical equipment. This rule is very easy to forget, especially when you are showing some electrical part
pointing with metallic pencil.Always be aware.
Rule no. 6 When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry and, when
possible, wear nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles.Remeber: gloves,
clothes and shoes.
Rule no. 7 If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your
pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents that result in
current passing through the chest cavity. If you ever read about current passing through human body you
will know, so remember work with one hand only.
Rule no. 8 Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is
likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.

Rule no. 9 If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit
breaker and unplug the equipment. Very logical. NEVER try to remove water or similar from equipment
while energized. Afterall, its stupid to do so.
Rule no. 10 If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment,
cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather
belt. Tricky situation, and you must be very calm in order not to make the situation even worse. Like in
previous

rules

Always

disconnect

the

power FIRST.Always

disconnect

the

power

FIRST

Rule no. 11 Equipment producing a tingle should be disconnected and reported promptly for repair.
Rule no. 12 Do not rely on grounding to mask a defective circuit nor attempt to correct a fault by insertion of
another fuse or breaker, particularly one of larger capacity.
Rule no. 13 Drain capacitors before working near them and keep the short circuit on the terminals during
the work to prevent electrical shock.
Rule no. 14 Never touch another persons equipment or electrical control devices unless instructed to do
so.Dont be too smart. Dont try your luck.
Rule no. 15 Enclose all electric contacts and conductors so that no one can accidentally come into contact
with them.If applicable do it always, if not be very carefull.
Rule no. 16 Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or perspiring, or when
standing on a wet floor.Remeber: Gloves and shoes
Rule no. 17 When it is necessary to touch electrical equipment (for example, when checking for overheated
motors), use the back of the hand. Thus, if accidental shock were to cause muscular contraction, you would
not freeze to the conductor.
Rule no. 18 Do not store highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment.
Rule no. 19 Be aware that interlocks on equipment disconnect the high voltage source when a cabinet door
is open but power for control circuits may remain on. Read the single line diagram and wiring schemes
know your switchboard.
Rule no. 20 De-energize open experimental circuits and equipment to be left unattended.
Rule no. 21 Do not wear loose clothing or ties near electrical equipment. Act like an electrical engineer,
you are not on the beach.