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Construction

James Seward

2012-01-26 15:20:22

Q: One of my relatives just had a house fire caused by a generator which they were using during a storm. Can you run through a few precautions and anything we should consider if we ever need to put ours in use?

A: Generators are useful during times of power outage, but it is always important to take precautions. As you might expect, the hazards with generators include the same that you would expect with utility supplied energy. There are however, other very important things you should know when you use a generator. Let’s talk about the most common hazards associated with generators, and tips to avoid them. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Many people die every year from inhaling the colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide (CO), which is emitted by such things as generators. Never run a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Assure that the generator is not placed near a door, window or vent where the gas could get in and collect in occupied spaces. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, seek medical attention immediately. Fire To avoid fire, refuel the machine when it is cold. Do not store fuel near the generator or in the home. Keep sources of ignition away from the machine, particularly while in operation. Shocks and Electrocution Because to use a generator you may bypass safety devices, such as circuit breakers, you should take special care against electrocution. Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system. This is not only dangerous for you, it can also create a serious hazard for others in the area. When you attach a generator directly to the system without the advantage of a properly installed transfer switch, it is possible to electrify systems a great distance which may electrocute others, such as utility workers. Other things to remember include: • Use grounded (3-pronged) electrical cords in good condition • Use Ground fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) • Make sure generator is grounded and kept dry. Finally, as you use your generator, remember that it causes a significant amount of noise and vibration. This can also pose unforeseen hazards. Be certain that anything placed near the generator is secure and will not fall onto the equipment. It may also be good to consider using hearing protection while the machine is running.

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Construction

James Seward

2011-12-27 13:43:41

Q: Recently, I foolishly tried to clean the oven with a wet rag while it was still plugged into the wall. In the process, I was electrocuted when I hit a place where the oven light was broken off sheer with the wet rag. The good jolt certainly reminded me how lax I have gotten in electrical safety. Can you give a quick refresher course so others don’t make my stupid mistake?

A: Each year many Americans are injured or killed in and around their homes because of carelessness around electricity. Following are some simple precautions that can prevent personal injury and property damage: 1. All outlets in the home should be the three-pronged type. Replace all older two-pronged outlets. Do not use adapters that allow you to plug a three-pronged appliance into a two-pronged outlet. 2. Inspect electric cords for damage. If you see a crack in the insulation, repair or replace it. 3. Do not overload electrical circuits. This may happen when you plug too many appliances into the same outlet using adapters. Do not use three way adapters (octopus adapter), especially not for high power appliances (irons, heaters, ovens, microwaves, etc). Multi-outlet strips are ok to use with computers, their peripherals and other small electrical devices. 4. Keep all electric appliances away from water. NEVER touch anything that runs on electricity when your hands are wet. 5. Insert plastic safety caps in all unused electrical outlets if small children are present in a home. 6. Keep electric appliances and light bulbs away from flammable liquids or materials. 7. Do not let children play around the electrical poles or panels outside the house. 8. Do not run extension cords and cables under a rug. 9. Carry appliances by their handle and not by their cord. 10. When taking a plug out of a receptacle, don’t pull it out by the cord. 11. Do not obstruct the flow of air around appliances like the television, refrigerator and microwave. 12. Unplug all appliances before cleaning. 13. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) at outlets near water, such as spas. 14. Have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher at hand, near your electrical panel. Lastly, electrical panels should be examined by an electrician at least once a year. Connections in the panel constantly heat up when the power usage is at a high, and cool off again when the power consumption is low. The changes in temperatures cause the connections in the panel to expand and contract, loosening them and causing a potential fire hazard. This dangerous situation can be avoided by having your main and sub panels checked at least once a year by a competent electrician.

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Construction

James Seward

2011-11-18 13:18:08

Q: Are holiday lights as safe as we think? What precautions should I take with them?

A: Used properly, holiday lights are very safe. However, many people become careless and use them improperly. Here are the most important things to consider as you use and prepare to store your lighting displays. • Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing laboratory and the UL label. • Check each set of lights, new and old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using. • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage, such as rubbing against a sharp edge and causing a short. • Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. For outdoor use, use only outdoor extension cords. • Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Limit the time they are on as much as possible. • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and can cause electrocution. To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it. • Keep “bubbling” lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical. Once you are ready to take them down, take the time to store them properly. This will aid in their safe usage next year. Wrap the lights around an empty wrapping paper tube or cardboard square. If you wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard, cut a slit in one side of the square. Thread the end of a set of lights through the slit. Wrap the lights around the cardboard, threading the other end back through the slit. You may also consider storage bags and units made especially for holiday lighting.

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Construction

James Seward

2011-10-20 12:10:54

Q: When should we consider a whole house re-wire and what are the considerations? Is it a huge project that will have us without power for days? We are kind of debating the need for our older home.

A: You have asked some great questions. Let’s take them one at a time. While you did not mention the age of your home, as a general rule, if your home was built before 1950 a whole house rewire should be a strong consideration. With today’s electrical demands, most electricians even recommend it as a serious consideration for homes built as late as 1960. Rewiring your home is not just a matter of meeting your electrical demands. Although that is a consideration, it is primarily a matter of safety. Here are some reasons to consider having your home rewired: •If your house was wired before 1950, the wiring insulation is likely made of cloth. This is of course a fire hazard. •If your home was built before 1935, it has knob and tube wiring. This method used ceramic based conduits and is dangerous as the wires are ungrounded. •Homes built in the 1960s used a lot of aluminum wiring. These wires tend to heat up faster and can cause fires. As the load of electricity that is demanded increases, the risk of fire increases as well. •Any ungrounded wiring needs to be grounded. •An insufficient number of power outlets may indicate outdated wiring. •If more power outlets have been added, then you need to ensure that your current panel can handle increased outlets. Most often the wiring in the whole house needs to be remapped in order to accommodate more power outlets. •The excessive use of power extension chords is another indication that your home maybe in need of additional electrical circuits. Next month, we will address what you can expect in the process of re-wiring.

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Construction

James Seward

2011-09-28 15:58:02

Q: We have an older home that has aluminum wiring. Someone suggested I look into it, as it is dangerous. Can you tell me why it is an issue?

A: Yes, aluminum wiring is a safety concern. About two million U.S. homes are believed to have been built with aluminum branch-circuit wiring, which the Consumer Product Safety Commission has had on their radar for over three decades as a recognized fire hazard. Today, the CPSC is more concerned than ever as the homes are drawing more current with the use of high-tech appliances and products. Several factors make aluminum wiring dangerous. The three most significant factors are Heat, Expansion/Contraction, and Oxidation. Electrical current causes a change in the temperature of the wire, causing it to expand and contract. However, aluminum wire expands and contracts at a different rate than other metals used in electrical systems. The heavier the load and or smaller the wire, the more the temperature changes. This can cause joints to loosen and compromise the connection. Further, a compromised connection creates additional heat, which causes the problem to worsen. This heat may melt or burn away insulation, which could create a short that may arc. In some cases, enough heat may be created to start a fire. Aluminum also oxidizes. Oxidized aluminum wire or wire covered with aluminum oxide is a very poor conductor. Additionally, this also creates a compromised connection which generates heat. It is always good to have an electrician look at older wiring and advise you of your options in maintaining your safety.

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Construction

Don Norris

2011-07-01 10:51:00

Question: Once we have found the right property, what steps should we expect next in building of our home?

Answer: Once you have chosen the land, you move on to the next, and quite possibly the most critical part of the building process, planning, calculating and figuring. I can’t stress enough the importance of this stage. While we all want to rush in and see the gratifying process of walls and rooms taking shape, the time you put in to planning will assure that you are not met with surprises and do not exceed costs. One of the first decisions in this part of the process is deciding whether you want a slab or basement foundation. The foundation is responsible for supporting the rest of the structure, so things like soil studies should be taken into consideration. Next, you will want to choose the layout of your home. Consider things like how open you want it to be and flow patterns. If possible, visit homes with similar floor plans and visualize how well it would work for you and your family. If you plan to make it a long-term residence, consider lifestyle changes and how that might affect your ability to stay in the home comfortably. Another important consideration in this stage is deciding if you want a safe room (especially in our part of the country), and where you want it located. It is much easier to install one during the building process rather than later. There are many options in locating safe rooms, such as the interior of the home, in the basement or as an addition to the home which is accessed from inside. However, it is important to remember that if you prefer to have your safe room attached to the outside of the structure; it must be built at the time of construction per federal regulations. After construction, all safe rooms must meet “room within a room” qualifications.

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Construction

Don Norris

2011-06-01 10:47:00

Question: We are considering building a home. While we are excited at the thought, we are also very concerned about the process, the commitment and knowledge it takes. What things should we consider first as we begin the process of finding land and developing a construction team or choosing a builder?

Answer: Building a home can be a very exhausting and stressful time filled with thousands of details to consider. You are wise to consider those things that may go into it, as you have no doubt heard horror stories of those who did not consider some critical element. Researching what you need to know before heading headlong into the project will save you a lot of grief. To reduce the stress factor and to keep costs down, you will want to start with these simple but critical steps. Set Your Budget: One of the things that most people do not take into consideration is that once they are approved for financing at one amount, it is very difficult to get additional funds should you run over cost. Cost overrun is very common as homeowners start selecting options upgrades. Even a series of small upgrades can add up quickly. Set a personal price cap and determine make all decisions within that budget. Research Builders: If you are going to employ the expertise of a builder, do some research to find one with a solid reputation and who has homes in the area which you can view. A reputable builder will not mind you asking to talk with former clients. Choose a Location: The location you choose is critical in avoiding later problems and incurring unforeseen costs. For example, you may find a great looking piece of property but the slope of the land may mean that you would have all the storm water runoff from the street threatening your foundation. Choose a Floor Plan: As you gather ideas for your own home, be sure to focus on individual design features like kitchen and bath layouts, bedroom sizes and locations, closet and storage space, traffic patterns and room flow, roof pitch, dormer sizes and locations, window types, and any other individual components of the design that might fit your needs or wants. As you consider plans, remember to plan for future needs; very often, it is more cost effective to build in an element rather than add it in later. There are many elements to consider when building a home and of course the home owner can not be expected to know them all. This makes developing a relationship with a trusted builder even more important. Keep the lines of communication open, and be sure to ask questions about anything you do not understand.