Don’t be shocked – test your home energy safety knowledge
Electricity has become such a natural part of everyday life, but it’s easy to take for granted the danger it can impose. Take this quick electrical safety quiz and see how well you score when it comes to common electrical sense. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s important.
1) What does the third prong on a 3-prong plug do?
a) Provides a path to ground for electricity that may stray from an appliance or product.
b) Provides extra power for equipment requiring higher voltage
c) Helps to hold the plug firmly in the outlet.
Answer: A, the third prong protects your appliances and prevents electric shock by providing electricity with a direct path to the ground.
2) To avoid overloading your household circuits, how can you find out the circuit capacity?
a) look at your electric bill, it should tell you.
b) Check the meter outside your house.
c) Open your breaker box or fuse box.
Answer: C, your breaker or fuse box should contain a diagram showing the amp capacity for each circuit.
3) True or False: It’s OK to use black electrical tape to repair a frayed power cord, or to splice a power cord, as long as you cover all exposed wire.
Answer: False, the black tape, usually vinyl, is not rated to handle the heat generated by electricity running through the wires and will melt and burn.
4) True or False: To keep an extension cord off the floor, it is best to run it along a baseboard or wall and tack it in place to avoid accidents.
Answer: False, never put a tack, staple or nail into an extension cord or power cord. It will expose bare wire and cause a shock or short.
5) True or False: It’s OK to leave an extension cord permanently in place as long as it is in plain view and out of the way of foot traffic.
Answer: False, extension cords are temporary solutions only and not safe as a substitute for home wiring. They tend to wear out and could overheat and cause a fire.