(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) As National Electrical Safety Month is observed across Pennsylvania this May, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is encouraging residents, contractors and businesses to remain alert around electrical equipment, overhead power lines and underground utilities during the busy spring and summer work season.
The PUC said warmer weather typically brings an increase in outdoor home projects, landscaping, construction activity, storm cleanup and utility maintenance — all of which can create serious electrical hazards if proper precautions are not taken.
According to a release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here are some electrical safety tips:
Outdoor and Worksite Safety
The PUC reminds consumers and contractors to always be aware of overhead and underground utility lines before beginning any project.
Key safety reminders include:
- Call 8-1-1 before digging — contact Pennsylvania One Call at least three business days before starting any excavation or home project.
- Look Up before using ladders, tools, scaffolding, cranes, or other tall equipment near overhead power lines.
- Keep Your Distance — stay at least 10 feet away from overhead utility lines and energized equipment.
- Carry Safely — always carry ladders and long tools horizontally to avoid accidental contact with power lines.
- Never Touch anything that is in contact with a power line, including trees, fences, or equipment.
- Assume It’s Live — always treat downed wires as energized and extremely dangerous.
- Stay Back — keep at least 35 feet away from downed lines and immediately call 9-1-1 and your electric utility.
The PUC also emphasized the dangers faced by workers across many industries, including electricians, construction workers, tree crews, roofers, HVAC technicians, utility crews, and emergency responders.
“Electrical hazards are often invisible until it is too late,” Vice Chair Barrow added. “A ladder, tree limb, crane boom, or other equipment can become energized in an instant if it comes too close to a power line.”
Home Electrical Safety
The PUC is also encouraging consumers to use caution with extension cords, space heaters, chargers, generators, and other electrical equipment commonly used around homes and businesses.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (click here to find out more), thousands of home fires each year involve extension cords and other electrical equipment used improperly.
Safety recommendations include:
- Don’t Overload extension cords or power strips with too many devices or high-energy appliances.
- Use Permanently — extension cords are designed for temporary use, not as long-term household wiring.
- Plug Heaters Directly In — space heaters and large appliances should always be plugged directly into wall outlets.
- Inspect Before Use — check cords and chargers for cracks, fraying, loose connections, or exposed wires.
- Keep Cords Clear — never run extension cords through walls, ceilings, doorways, under rugs, or beneath furniture where heat can build up.
- Buy Certified Products — use only electrical devices, cords, chargers, and batteries tested by recognized safety laboratories.
- Protect the Ground Pin — never remove the grounding pin from a plug to force it into an outlet.
- Use Generators Safely — always operate generators outdoors and away from doors, windows, and garages to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
The PUC also cautioned consumers against unsafe do-it-yourself electrical work or other risky shortcuts intended to reduce energy costs.
Additional electrical safety information is available through the PUC, local electric utilities, and national safety organizations including the Electrical Safety Foundation International (click here to find out more) and the National Fire Protection Association (click here to find out more).