New code makes power outlets safer

subscribe

The Canadian Standards Association has produced a new electrical code that should help reduce the chances of children being electrocuted in their homes.

The code, which is expected to be adopted by the provinces and territories, requires that new homes and renovation projects use tamper-proof electrical outlets.

The receptacles have a built-in shutter system designed to prevent foreign objects such as pins, keys or nails, from touching the live electrical wires. The shutters automatically open when the two prongs of an electrical plug are inserted in the receptacle. "But if you try to put something in just one [of the outlet slots], it won't work," explained Stephen Brown of the CSA.

Over the course of a six-year study, researchers found that 365 children in Canada received electric shocks by sticking objects into household electrical outlets. Many parents have tried to make their homes safer by placing plastic covers over electrical outlets. But such covers can still be removed by curious kids. The new code "will certainly protect many, many children who have not been protected until now," Mr. Brown said.

Related News

concrete power poles

Chinese-built electricity poles plant inaugurated in South Sudan

JUBA - The South Sudan government has launched a factory producing concrete poles that will facilitate an ambitious project done by a Chinese company to rehabilitate and expand the Power Distribution System in Juba, its capital.

The Minister of Dams and Electricity, Dhieu Mathok, said that the factory, rented by Power China, will produce some 13,350 poles for the electricity distribution in the capital and other states.

"The main objective of this project is to increase the supply capacity and reliability of the power distribution system in Juba. Access to the grid will replace the use of generators by the population, allow…

READ MORE
atco electric

ATCO Electric agrees to $31 million penalty following regulator's investigation

READ MORE

alberta-leads-the-way-in-agrivoltaics

Alberta Leads the Way in Agrivoltaics

READ MORE

coal pile

New England Emergency fuel stock to cost millions

READ MORE

turkey solar panel

Covid-19 puts brake on Turkey’s solar sector

READ MORE