According to OSHA, most electrical accidents are the result of faulty equipment or installation, an unsafe environment, or unsafe work practices. To avoid electrical injuries, understand the hazards and the necessary protective measures.
An electrical current exists when there is an unbroken electric path to and from a conductor. Most metals are conductors.
Humans are more conductive than the earth, which means if there is no other path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies.
Electricity follows the path of least resistance; typically, the insulated wires of a building’s power system. Electricity is always seeking a path to the ground. An ungrounded faulty appliance can be a hazard when a human becomes the connection to the ground for electricity. Failure of the insulating material or direct contact with a live powered conductor can cause an electrical fire or electrocution.
Safe Work Practices
Because of the danger of electrocution, which can be fatal, only qualified electricians should perform work on electrical equipment, systems or circuits. Employees who work with power tools should turn them off before plugging them in and unplug them before making any adjustments. It is important to make sure that the tools are grounded correctly and have an approved three-wire cord with a three-prong plug or are double insulated.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) updated and expanded the use of the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection installed indoors and outdoors for residential and commercial buildings. The NEC is updated every three years; however, individual states are allowed to amend or exempt parts of the code. All electrical work should be properly permitted and local code compliant with work completed by a state licensed electrician.
A GFCI can detect a loss of electrical current within a circuit and turn off the electricity at the outlet connection to prevent severe injury or death. GFCIs can be installed in place of a standard electrical outlet, on some circuit breaker panels to protect a branch circuit, or wall outlets in kitchens and bathrooms so that appliances can be used safely.
GFCI protection is required in areas with sinks, as well as areas used for cooking or food and beverage preparation, such as break rooms. GFCI protection is required for all outdoor electrical outlets rated less than 50 amps at 150 volts or less and should have a weatherproof enclosure.
There are three types of GFCI outlets:
- GFCI receptacle: the most common type of GFCI application which features a test and reset button with or without a power light and is used to protect a single outlet.
- Circuit breaker device: designed to protect an entire circuit which is typically installed in a service panel.
- Portable GFCI: used at an electrical outlet without ground fault protection when connected to high powered machinery/tools.
In general, GFCI outlets are installed in areas near water or potential moisture and are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, unfinished basements, outdoor spaces and as required by the NEC or local building code.
How Does the GFCI Work?
The GFCI monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit and has an internal sensor that will interrupt the power supply if it detects a potential risk of an electric shock. The detection limit is a difference of 4-6 milliamps between the hot (black or red) and neutral (white) wires connected to an outlet. Once detected, the power will trip off instantaneously. The ground wire is usually green with a yellow stripe or uninsulated copper and is essential to safe circuit wiring.
The GFCI has a reset button which will return power to the outlet. The GFCI outlet has a test button which should be exercised monthly. If the test button or indicator light is not working, it needs to be replaced. An outlet replacement is within the typical work scope of qualified maintenance personnel (replace only after the circuit has been de-energized). However, a professional should be called if there are concerns regarding the electric circuit or the installation requirements.
Thunder & Lightning Storms
Electrical injuries can also be caused during thunder and lightning storms. A lightning strike can cause the electrical circuits of the building and the equipment that distributes it to be damaged by a surge, power overload or short. Voltage variations and current surges can burn out equipment that is connected to compromised circuits. Conductors such as electrical wiring and telephone and data cables, including fiber optic cables, can transfer lightning surges throughout a building. Because a lightning strike is so unpredictable, protection against damages caused by lightning can never be 100% effective. A robust lightning protection system (NFPA-780) on the exterior of the building can help protect internal wiring from lightning strikes, but as with any protective system, inspection and maintenance are required. Lightning protection systems should be inspected annually.
Grounding improvements can be made around the site and cables can be shielded to reduce surges and to give lightning a path to flow into the earth.
Surge protection, power conditioning and uninterruptable power supplies (UPS) are essential to the protection of electrical equipment, motors, church organs, sound systems, wireless network systems and lower voltage electronics such as phone systems, computers, fire alarm panels, security systems, door locks, etc. Look for new articles in the Summer and Fall 2025 Risk Management Newsletters.