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Safety Devices for Electrical Systems

Electricity can be a very dangerous thing if it is not handled properly. Because of the potential hazards associated with electrical systems, there are a number of safety devices that were created to prevent fires, injuries and damage to equipment. These devices are used in many places where electrical systems are installed, whether in the home, office or at the connection outdoors. Many electrical systems could become safer using one or more of these types of safety devices.

  1. Surge Protectors

    • Surge protectors are one of the most common electrical safety devices on the market. Most people probably have one or more in the home. They are long strips that plug into the wall that have several outlets so that other electrical equipment can be plugged into it. There is also a power switch, which controls the power supply to the entire strip. The surge protector has two internal lines. One main line carries the current from the wall outlet to the various devices plugged in. The ground line routes any excess voltage to the earth and diverts it away from the equipment. When brownouts, lightning strikes or other factors that cause a surge or quick spike in voltage to an outlet, the surge protector limits the amount that can reach the equipment and diverts the rest. This keeps the various devices from overloading with power, which can cause internal damage to circuitry.

    Composite Insulator

    • Some safety devices are used for electrical installation to a home or other location. Composite insulators are the objects that guide electric power lines from pole to pole and into the home. The main purpose of these insulators is to route the lines to the correct place and prevent separate lines from contacting one another, and to prevent current loss. Insulators were once made using glass or porcelain, but composite insulators are more common today. They are often made of silicone or rubber around a fiberglass rod.

    Fuses and Breakers

    • Fuses and breaker switches accomplish the same task in preventing electrical current surges and therefore protecting your home appliances and wiring from damage and potential fires. These devices limit the current that can flow in a circuit. When the metal filament in a fuse melts, it breaks the connection, indicating too much current was flowing through the circuit. A circuit breaker switch can automatically kick off when its spring-loaded switch is tripped by heat from excessive electrical currents.

    Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

    • GCFI outlets, also known as ground fault circuit interrupters, are safety devices that are designed to protect people from fatal electrical shocks and potential fires. Electrical currents can be harmful if the body provides a path to the ground for the current, potentially causing death by electrocution. A GFCI outlet works by monitoring the current flowing through the circuit. If the current fluctuates as little as .006 amps, the GFCI interrupts the current quickly to stop the current and prevent injury or damage. These safety devices are often installed at outlets located near water taps or outdoors.

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