Authors: Nicole Campbell and Antwoine Giles
Electrical hazards, such as blocked electrical panels and disconnects, damaged power cords, and improper use of extension cords, can lead to serious injuries, fires, and property damage. By adhering to safety regulations and implementing best practices, we can significantly reduce these risks. This article provides essential guidelines and safety measures to help mitigate electrical hazards in your work area.
Electrical Panel Clearance
Blocked electrical panels can delay emergency response and increase the risk of arc flash, shock, and fire. In compliance with the the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Electrical Safety Standard and the National Fire Protection Association’s National Electric Code, there must be sufficient access and clearance around electrical equipment, so that maintenance can service the equipment and respond to emergencies quickly. For electrical panels with 150 Volts or less:
- Maintain at least 36 inches (3 feet) of clear space around electrical panels.
- Maintain at least 30 inches of width in front of the electrical panels.
- Provide at least 6 feet, 6 inches of vertical clearance from the floor up.
- Keep the space beneath electrical panels clear and do not store anything on top.
- Do not store items, including mobile carts or other items in front of electrical panels.
Tips to Maintain Compliance
- Use floor tape or markings to define the floor area that must be kept clear of storage for safety compliance.
- Check areas weekly for obstructions, and promptly remove obstructions that are found.
Extension Cords and Power Cord Safety
Ensuring extension cords and power cords are used and maintained properly is crucial to preventing electrical hazards in any environment. Proper usage and regular inspection of these cords can significantly reduce the risk of fires, electrical shocks, and equipment damage.
Use Power Strips and Extension Cords Properly
Inspect all electrical cords and power strips for DAMAGE before use. If the cord is damaged, immediately remove the cord from service, cut it up and discard – DO NOT USE IT!
Ensure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use and meet or exceed the power needs of the device being used. If any part of the extension cord is “hot” while in use, this may be an indication that the cord is being overloaded and powering equipment beyond its rated capacity. The capacity of an extension cord, or power rating, can be identified by looking at the tag on the cord or its packaging.
Never use an extension cord designed for household use in a laboratory or office area. EHSO recommends using extension cords with a minimum of 14-gauge wiring (14 AWG), depending on the power needs of the connected equipment. The wire size is imprinted on the cord’s surface. 
Use surge protectors to protect sensitive equipment, such as computers, printers, cell phones and similar desktop equipment.
Only use cords that have been listed by a recognized national testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL) or CSA-International (CSA).
Do not remove or bypass the grounding pin. The grounding pin, or third prong on a plug, is a critical safety feature. It provides a path for electrical current to safely travel to the ground in case of a fault or short circuit, preventing electric shock and reducing the risk of electrical fires. Removing or bypassing this pin eliminates this safety element, potentially leading to shock or electrocution.
Do not use extension cords or power strips with fans, pumps or appliances with heating elements or compressors. Plug this type of equipment directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords may supply less power, which can cause the equipment to overheat or malfunction.
Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Extension cords are only acceptable to provide power to equipment on a temporary basis (<90 days). If more outlets are needed in your work area, submit a work request to Facilities.
Do not plug more than one power strip or surge protector into one, single duplex wall outlet.
Avoid using 2-prong to 3-prong adapters. A plug adapter that is grounded will not provide protection against an ungrounded electrical box or a faulty appliance, possibly creating an electrocution or shock hazard.
Never plug extension cords or power strips into one another. This is called “daisy-chaining” and can overload the circuit creating a potential fire hazard. Power strips and extension cords must be plugged directly into the wall outlet, and never into each other.
For more information on this or other Environmental, Health and Safety topics, please visit our website at ehso.emory.edu or contact us at ehso@emory.edu.