715 Electrical Safety for Technicians and Supervisors

Conditions That Point to Electrical Hazards

There are a number of other conditions that indicate an electrical hazard.

• Tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses show that too much current is flowing in a circuit. This condition could be due to several factors, such as malfunctioning equipment or a short between conductors. You need to determine the cause in order to control the hazard.
• An electrical tool, appliance, wire, or connection that feels warm may indicate too much current in the circuit or equipment. You need to evaluate the situation and determine your risk.
• An extension cord that feels warm may indicate too much current for the wire size of the cord. You must decide when action needs to be taken.
• A cable, fuse box, or junction box that feels warm may indicate too much current in the circuits.
• A burning odor may indicate overheated insulation.
• Worn, frayed, or damaged insulation around any wire or other conductor is an electrical hazard because the conductors could be exposed. Contact with an exposed wire could cause a shock. Damaged insulation could cause a short, leading to arcing or a fire. Inspect all insulation for scrapes and breaks. You need to evaluate the seriousness of any damage you find and decide how to deal with the hazard.
• A GFCI that trips indicates there is current leakage from the circuit. First, you must decide the probable cause of the leakage by recognizing any contributing hazards. Then, you must decide what action needs to be taken.

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