Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

Bill Campbell

We are nearing the end of summer. There are only a couple more months of what I would call good outdoor work weather. Since it typically is cooler now than in July and August, I try to schedule some of my outdoor projects for the next couple of months. This often means I'll be using power tools in my yard. It also reminds me that there are precautions you can take to prevent electrocution when you plan to make use of electric tools outside.

Some of the things you should think about are the type of tool you plan to use, the power cord carrying the electricity, and the protection in your wiring system.

Your choice of power tool can virtually eliminate the risk of electrocution or offer varying degrees of protection in the event of a ground fault. "Ground fault" is the term for electricity that has returned to earth through an unplanned path. Electrocution occurs when this unplanned path includes your body.

Some types of power tools remove the potential of you being in the electrical circuit. These are usually the battery-powered or rechargeable tools. There are a wide variety of these tools available, and they offer the added convenience of not needing a cord and electrical socket to function. Because they are not connected to the electrical system, the potential for shock is nearly nonexistent. You do still need to be careful not to sever other power cords and wires while using these tools.

Double insulated tools offer some protection against electrocution by providing two layers of insulation between the wiring, the motor, and you. However, the insulation only works as long as the tool is kept dry. Even a small amount of moisture, which is common outdoors, can cause ground faults to the handle of the tool. Then, if you are grounded, there is the potential for you to be electrocuted.

It is better to use tools that have third-wire grounding, with the third wire and electrode on the power plug. This system provides a planned path for the ground fault inside your power tool to reach the earth. If the system works properly, the ground fault will cause current limiting devices like fuses and circuit breakers to blow and cut off electricity before you are shocked. I can guarantee that the system will not work properly if you have cut off the grounding plug or if you use two-prong adapters to plug a three-prong plug into a two-wire circuit or extension cord. It usually takes a third wire, providing an extremely easy flow path for the electricity, to cause breakers or fuses to blow. They are designed to protect the wiring in your home, not to protect you.

Additional protection, in the form of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), is now required for new construction wherever there is the potential for moisture and electrical energy to mix. These are designed to sense as little as 0.005 amps of difference in electric current between the energized wire and the neutral wire in your system. If this difference is sensed, the GFCI will disconnect the circuit and prevent electric shock. All garage, kitchen, bathroom, and basement outlets should be protected with GFCIs since these areas are the most likely to have moisture present when electrical tools are being operated.

A little common sense is also important when operating electric tools outdoors. Remember that tools designed to cut wood, concrete, or steel can also cut power cords and body tissues. Only use power tools when you are sure about your surroundings and certain there are no hidden hazards in the area. It is almost always better to bring the cutting work to the power tool rather than take the tool to an unstable location such as the top of a ladder. Check the owner's manual of every tool before use and follow all safety precautions.

If you would like more information about power tool safety, I suggest that you contact your electricity supplier or the Illinois Electrification Council. They have fact sheets about the different types of tools available and how to use them safely. Order forms and fact sheet price lists are available from Paul Benson, Illinois Electrification Council, 360 AG. Engineering Sciences Building, 1304 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. Or you can call (217) 333-9421.1 suggest you request the Farm Electrical Safety fact sheet for 40¢. They do have a $1 minimum order requirement.

Bill Campbell is an Extension Educator, Farm Systems, at the Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. You can write to him in care of Illinois Country Lining, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: (217) 782-6515. E-Mail: campbellw@idea.ag.uiuc.edu

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING SEPTEMBER 1997