Take Extra Precautions Around Electricity—

May Is National Electrical Safety Month

BERLIN — Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) is reminding customers that May is National Electrical Safety Month. With warmer weather and vacations come more outdoor activities and potential distractions, so CL&P offers these helpful tips to make this time of year both enjoyable and safe.

éWhen working outdoors, position ladders away from power lines; keep this in mind when painting or cleaning gutters. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity. Maintain a minimum of ten feet of clearance from overhead power lines.

éUnderground wires are a hidden danger. Never dig around a home or business without checking for underground wires or cables. Contact Call Before You Dig (CBYD) at 800-922-4455, or visit the Call Before You Dig website (cbyd.com).

Connecticut law requires homeowners to call at least two full working days, excluding weekends and holidays, before digging.

éBefore using any electrical tool, be sure to inspect it for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken sockets. When using an electric appliance outdoors, be sure it is plugged into outlets that feature weatherproof covers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Never use an electric appliance near a pool or other wet surfaces.

éBe sure all electrical equipment for a swimming pool is grounded properly. When installing a pool, have it inspected by the town’s electrical inspector when the job is completed.

A ground fault circuit interrupter should be installed on a pool’s electrical equipment. If a fault occurs in the equipment, the interrupter will instantly cut the power, preventing a serious electric shock.

éDon’t let children climb utility poles, towers, pad-mounted transformers or trees near power lines. If a pet gets stranded on a pole or if a child’s ball or toy goes into a substation, call CL&P (800-286-2000).

éNever construct a kite from wire or metal; always use paper or wood. That goes for the tail, too; it should be made only of dry string or cloth. Always keep kites away from electric power lines and choose a clear, dry day for kite flying.

If a kite should get snagged in power lines or in a tree in which lines might be concealed, don’t try to free it. Call CL&P.

éWatch for power lines when sailing or bringing a boat ashore. Lower the mast when pulling the boat on a trailer in order to so avoid contact with power lines along the road.

éWhen purchasing a generator, make sure it is properly installed by a licensed electrician to prevent a house fire and to avoid electricity feeding back into power lines. Keep in mind that a town permit or an official inspection may be necessary.

éAlways stay away from downed power lines and assume any fallen wires are live and extremely dangerous. Don’t touch anything that may be in contact with downed wires. Call 911 or CL&P immediately.

The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years. With more than 1.1 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental education. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU).