Know Your Arc Faults Part 1

   

   Just about everyone has encountered an arc fault before, its that one incident that reminds us electricity, although readily available and convenient, can still be dangerous. 

Arc faults occur when the flow of electricity is interrupted and forced to travel in a direction it wasn't intended. They create high levels of heat even though the arc itself only lasts for a second. 

Small particles from the arc can reach temperatures of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and if flammable materials such as curtains, carpets and furniture are nearby they can ignite.

So what causes and arc fault in the first place, well believe it or not a number of factors can contribute to arcing but in this series of articles I'll cover the most common.

Top on our list and yet one of the most ignored arc fault potentials is the extension cord. 

The extension cord was never designed to be a permanent fixture in the home yet most don't even think twice about it. Extension cords are and have always been for temporary use only, meaning no more than a few hours. 

One of the biggest problems with long term extension cord use is heat build up. 

Heat is created naturally through the flow of electricity, however when you factor in one or more power tools or appliances on a single extension cord, odds are the cord will begin to warm.  

The other problem with extension cords is wire size and length, when most extension cords are purchased often times they're chosen based on length and cost.

Cords are continually being pushed, pulled, trampled or tripped over. Excessive misuse can often lead to premature failure of the cord but it can also cause damage to the items connected to the cord.  

So here are a few solution to help reduce the chances of your extension cords becoming a problem. First, stop using extension cords for long term uses. This means having a licensed professional install an outlet where you need it.

You could also have an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter or AFCI installed. 

Wen using an extension cord go with one that is rated at a minimum of 20 Amps and that says it can be used for outdoors. The higher amperage and outdoor rated coating will provide more protection and help extend the life of the cord.  

 If the extension cord is behind furniture provide a few inches of space so that the cord end wont be compromised. 

Inspect the extension cord every month or so and look for discoloration, cracking, stiffness, and any visible wire. If a cord even looks questionable get rid of it, your safety is not worth the risk. 

In cases of regular cords such as those attached to light fixtures, appliances, etc., protect them by using grounded flat plug surge protectors or strips so the plug and cord rests against the outlet avoiding any nearby furniture. 

To help minimize strain on an electrical cord always unplug the cord by the plug and never by the cord. Keep all cords out of the way of foot traffic, if for whatever reason this cannot be accomplished utilize a cord cover. 

This will not only protect the cord but those crossing its path as well. 

Avoid twisting an electrical cord when storing it away. For smaller cords up to 6ft. in length; fold the cord like an accordion then secure it with a reusable velcro strap this way the cord will stay neat and close together. 

For temporary extension cords, never wind them around your arm like a rope, instead use the braiding technique, it takes no extra time once learned and it provides an organized loop to hang the cord.

Pay attention to the manufacturer label on the extension cord, if its for indoor use only don't use it outdoors because its not designed for the outdoor elements.

If the label is missing assume the cord should only be used for indoors only.

Now for the big one, overloading. How do we know if an electrical cord is being overloaded- by using our sense of touch. Make sure cord is unplugged before testing. 

The first indicator of an overloaded electrical cord is that it feels really warm or hot to the touch. If the cord is running outside then your gonna check where the cord is not effected by outside temperatures, usually at the outlet. 

Outside of doing an actual load calculation and matching that to the cords specs and tools and appliances you have running at the time, this is a pretty decent method. 

DO NOT use an electrical cord that has been altered, make sure it has a ground pin on the plug. Before buying electrical cords or any electrical product for that matter, be sure it is stamped or labeled with a UL certification logo. UL certified products meet minimum national safety standards; this hasn't prevented uncertified products from coming to the market so always look for the logo.

Well I hope you've enjoyed Part One of this series if you have any questions or comments please feel free to do so in the comments section. 

Next up; Know Your Arc Faults Part Two.