Understanding Electrical Hazards in the Office and How To Avoid Them

Electrical hazards can occur in all workplaces, including offices. Whether you work in a home office or a large commercial office, you should check it for electrical hazards. It only takes a single electrical hazard to spark a fire. By familiarizing yourself with the most common types of electrical hazards in the office, you can eliminate them to promote a safe working environment.

Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded circuits are a common type of electrical hazard in the office. Residential and commercial electrical systems consist of multiple circuits, each of which is isolated from the other circuits. When you plug too many devices into a single circuit, it will become overloaded. All of the excess electricity running through the circuit may cause blown fuses, tripped breakers or fires. You can avoid overloaded circuits by plugging devices into multiple circuits rather than a single circuit.

Wires With Damaged Insulation

If you discover any wires with damaged or missing insulation, don't use them. Countless devices in the office, of course, feature wires. From computers and monitors to printers, fax machines and more, you'll need to connect these devices with wires. Without a complete jacket of insulation, though, wires can create an electrical hazard.

Wires require insulation to contain the electrical current that flows through them. They are typically made of a conductive inner core, such as copper, that's coated in a layer of plastic insulation. If the insulation is damaged, the electrical current may stray from the conductive inner core while potentially sparking a fire.

Covered Extension Cords

Never cover extension cords in your office. If a device can't reach a wall outlet, you can still use an extension cord. An extension cord will allow you to connect devices to wall outlets even if they are located on the opposite end of your office. But you shouldn't cover these extension cords.

Covering an extension cord with a rug, carpet or a piece of furniture will create an electrical hazard. Extension cords need to be able to "breathe." When covered, they won't be able to release their heat. As electricity travels through them, the extension cords will generate heat. To avoid this electrical hazard, keep the extension cords in your office uncovered.

Dirty Electrical Equipment

Another common electrical hazard in the office is dirty electrical equipment. Dust can accumulate on all objects in the office. Computers and other types of electrical equipment will inevitably gather dust. If left unchecked, dirty electrical equipment such as this can create an electrical hazard.