The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
First Aid For The Ailing Houses
Such a tape on the cord, however, is not an indication that the rest of the lamp or appliance has been checked and approved by the Underwriters Lab. The appliance or lamp will either have a separate-approved tag fastened to it or will have the UL in a circle stamped somewhere in an inconspicuous spot, usually the base.
Electric shock is certainly a hazard that must be considered, but fire is the greatest danger with electrical circuit and equipment. Most of this risk comes from the cords. Ten rules to safer electricity are: -
1. Never run cords under rugs. They get wear, and if insulation breaks, the rug will often catch fire.
2. Do not place cords in doorjambs. Every time the door is opened or closed, the cord may be squeezed, and this may lead to broken wires or worse, to a direct short circuit.
3. Cords should never be run over radiators or steam pipes. The average household cord has a rubber or synthetic rubber insulation which is damaged by heat, and may result in a "short."
4. Never leave heating appliances connected when not in use. It is the unexpected that often causes accidents and fire with connected appliances. A window curtain may be blown against a hot iron, or a rug set on fire by a reflector heater.
5. Do not disconnect cords by pulling them. Grasp the plug itself and remove it gently from the outlet.
6. Cords should never be used as a substitute for proper wiring. The "octopus" tangle of cords radiating from a single wall outlet indicates that household wiring is inadequate. This can put an overload on the circuit and cause fuses to bum out frequently, or may heat the wires inside the wall so much they set the building on fire.
7. Cords should be examined regularly for frayed, broken or worn insulation, for exposed wires, for loose plugs and for potential risk in causing falls. Worn cords should be repaired or be replaced at once. Cords that wind across traffic areas should be rerouted to prevent possible falls.
8. Insist on approved cords that carry the orange tape of the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Be sure the tape is on all cord purchased for replacement and on all new appliances or equipment.
9. Be sure to have all electrical repairs and wiring made by a qualified professional electrician or electrical contractor. Many areas demand this in their building laws. Most fire-in- surance policies will be automatically voided by unapproved wiring by amateurs.
10. If your area does not demand such professional service, be sure for your own safety that all wiring done is inspected by a professional electrical contractor or inspector.
