May is electrical safety month, which of course includes Memorial Day and the beginning of summer fun activities. This will undoubtedly mean a lot of people visiting their favorite beach, lakes, rivers, and pools. Electrical safety is always important, but even more so when we have any body of water within twenty feet of electrical power.  Electricians and electrical inspectors, please remember to put safety first and pay special attention to the applicable requirements in the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC)

– Articles 553, 555, 680 and 682. Please help us in reminding owners that they must hire licensed electrical contractors who employ licensed electricians to perform this electrical work and remember to consider these key safety points:

• Make sure overhead electrical lines do not pass over the pool. In fact, it’s best to keep pools at least 25 feet away from power lines in all directions.
• Allow at least 18 feet of clearance between overhead power lines and a diving board, deck, platform, slide, or observation area.
• Never build an in-ground pool or set up an above ground pool over underground electric cables.
• Pools and pool decking should be installed at least 5 feet away from all underground utility lines.
• Except for specially designed lighting fixtures, don’t put electrical fixtures or receptacles within 5 feet of a pool.
• Any electrical wiring that is within 20 feet of a swimming pool should have protection from a ground fault circuit interrupter. THIS INCLUDES UNDERWATER LUMINAIRES (POOL LIGHTS)!
• Be sure to comply with any local building codes that may provide more stringent guidelines than the ones that have been listed.

The owner can verify that the contractor and electricians have the required credentials by asking to see their Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL), or Residential Appliance Installer Contractor License (TICL), plus the individual license(s) that EACH person performing the work should be able to present. This ensures that the individuals performing work in and around their homes have had a criminal background check.

New pool electrical installations must be done by a licensed electrical contractor (TECL) who uses licensed electricians to perform the work. Pool electrical maintenance work may be done by a licensed electrical contractor (TECL) OR residential appliance installation contractor (TICL), but in either instance, the persons performing the actual maintenance work should be able to show you their electrical license, confirm that they have had the proper electrical training, and that they will be installing all electrical work in accordance with the current standard adopted for the state of Texas – the 2014 NEC.

With summer here, let’s have fun but always play it safe when it comes to electrical safety and water.

Avoiding Hazards Around Your Home

We use electricity every day. It is all around us in our lives, and most of us think we know enough about electricity to stay safe and keep our families out of harm’s way. However, every year hundreds of people die, thousands are injured, and millions of dollars in property damage are caused by electrical hazards that could have been avoided. TDLR encourages Texans to review electrical safety practices before beginning summer yard work or any outdoor project that includes the use of electric tools or work around power lines:

• Before beginning work inspect each electric tool for damage to its cord, plugs, housing and wiring. If damage has occurred, take the tool to a qualified professional for repair.
• Protect yourself from injury. Always turn the electric tool off, unplug it and put it in the lock position when carrying or connecting attachments such as saw blades.
• Prior to using an outdoor receptacle, check to make sure the receptacle is protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and that the GFCI is working properly.  You can do this by pushing the test button on the receptacle or on the overcurrent device (breaker) inside the electrical panel. If it is not performing properly, TDLR recommends calling a Texas Licensed Electrical Contractor for the necessary repairs.
• Never leave electric tools unattended where children or unqualified adults can harm themselves.
• Safety devices on electric tools are there for a reason; never remove them. Always make sure they are in place before operating the tool.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the job. Wear safety goggles, hearing protection, dust masks, gloves and other safety equipment as recommend for each tool.
• Check the surrounding area to ensure you will not accidentally come in contact with overhead power lines.
• Keep all outdoor extension cords clear of standing water and protected from the elements.
• Extension cords are for short-term, temporary use and not for long-term power solutions.
• Examine your extension cords before each use and replace damaged cords immediately.
• Use only weather-resistant heavy gauge extension cords that are marked for outdoor usage. Weather-resistant cords have added safeguards to withstand the outdoor environment.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when working near electrical wiring. Metal ladders can conduct electricity and pose a threat of electrocution.

Remember: power lines are underground as well. “Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig” – Pipeline Damage Prevention. To help protect against personal injury, including loss of life, costly property damage, expensive repairs and possible legal and civil penalties, TDLR encourages our licensees to review the information provided by the Railroad Commission of Texasthrough their Pipeline Damage Prevention Program.

For Your Family’s Safety

For you and your family’s safety TDLR recommends you: Visit the TDLR website to find out if an electrician is licensed to perform electrical work. Electrical apprentice licenses ensure a criminal background check has been performed.  Other individual electrical licenses are granted to professionals who have demonstrated the required amount of electrical work experience and successfully completed the Department approved examination. Contact a licensed electrical contractor and have their licensed electricians check your home’s electrical wiring/distribution system to reduce the likelihood of electrocution and fires. Leave the electrical work to the professionals.  Do not attempt to fix suspected wiring problems yourself. Electrical shocks – even mild ones – are an indication of an electrical hazard.  Shut off the circuit and have the electrical system checked by a licensed electrician. File an online complaint with TDLR if you find a person is offering to perform or performing electrical services without a license.  Help us make Texas a safer place for everyone! Electrical safety education for a child is important…teach them early! For electrical safety information and fun activities for your kids, visit www.sparky.org.