Electrical Safety Foundation International

If you received an e-bike or electric scooter during the holidays, make sure you read the manual and learn how to charge the device properly. Be sure to always use the manufacturer provided charging cables and gear, and remember to always charge by plugging directly into a wall outlet.

Happy Holidays from ESFI! Wishing you a safe and enjoyable Christmas Day. We hope you enjoy the remainder of the holiday season.

Remember to purchase from reputable retailers when buying a backup battery for your e-bike or scooter. An uncertified battery isn’t just a poor choice; it’s a fire hazard. Be sure to check out our library of resources to help identify and avoid dangerous counterfeit electrical products: https://lnkd.in/dTAvjCNq

Extension cords are a common cause of home fires. Be mindful of how you are using electrical outlets. If you’re using extension cords or adapters that add receptacles, consider having a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home.

ESFI recently surveyed EV installers to gauge their understanding of the safe installation of EVSE. The goal of the survey was to identify safety gaps related to emerging technology to keep installers safe. When asked about EVSE training, 76% of installers said they had specific training, while 82% believed EVSE should have a specific certification: https://lnkd.in/gzsJ4zRU

Electric blankets can cause fires. Always turn them off when not using them, never use them with an extension cord, and check for cracked or damaged cords. Heating pads and electric blankets cause around 500 fires each year. Almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than ten years old.

Make sure you always charge your electric scooter or e-bike using manufacturer provided gear. Never charge your device unsupervised, and be sure not to charge near doors, which may block exits in case of fire. Lithium-ion battery fires have risen, claiming both homes and lives.

By investing in preventative maintenance for your building and upgrading to newer electrical systems, you can help reduce your total operation cost while also improving your environmental, social, and corporate governance. Over a 30-year period, maintenance and operations costs of a building account for 98% of the total cost, while the initial design and construction account for only 2%: https://lnkd.in/eA-4bJUV

Overhead power lines cause 46% of electrically related deaths in the workplace. To avoid danger, always look up and be aware of overhead power lines. Always assume that lines are live and dangerous.

When it's time to charge your e-bike or scooter, always use a manufacturer approved charger and avoid adapters. Choose a flat, dry area away from children, sunlight, and entrances where a fire could block an escape route. Never leave your device charging unattended, especially overnight.