Terms

Overview

Terms:

As a refresher, here are some important terms that you need to understand in order to apply the electrical safety portion of the checklist. You must also understand the difference between temporary wiring devices and devices that are intended to be used on a somewhat permanent basis, including their intended uses and limitations.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

is a device that may be integrated into a wall-outlet, breaker (not accessible to the EHS auditor), or special use extension cord. It’s purpose is to detect a change in the flowing electrical current from hot to neutral. If there is an imbalance, it trips the circuit and requires a manual resetting of the switch. GFCI’s are meant to protect people from a shock as opposed to a circuit breaker or fuse which is designed to protect the wiring from overheating and causing a fire.

Permanently Installed Outlet

A permanently installed outlet is a receptacle box that is permanently wired to an electrical panel (i.e., circuit breaker panel). These are commonly found on a wall, but variations include a box installed on conduit up from a lab bench or a drop-type pendant wired back to the panel with flexible conduit.

Permanent Wiring

Permanent wiring runs inside conduit from the distribution box to an outlet or piece of equipment. A hard-wired wall throw switch will be located near equipment.

Extension Cords

Extension cords are strictly for temporary use. If used outside, they should be equipped with GFCI. Extension cords differ in the gauge of wire used to construct the cord. The wire gauge must be matched to the electrical load. If the amperage is too high for the cord, it will heat and could result in failure or fire. The cord gauge must be matched to the electrical load. All extension cords should have a grounding prong (three-prong plug; 3-wire type).

Relocatable Power taps (RPTs)

Power strips, RPTs, and transient voltage surge suppressors are all intended to be used on a somewhat permanent basis, but in a limited application. All of the devices are similar in appearance. They are called different names because they are designed differently and certified under different sections of the applicable product safety certification.

Power Strips & Surge Supressors

Power strips, relocatable power taps (RPTs), and transient voltage surge suppressors are all intended to be used on a somewhat permanent basis, but in a limited application. All of the devices are similar in appearance. They are called different names because they are designed differently and certified under different sections of the applicable product safety certification. Power strips, RPTs (Relocatable Power Taps), and Surge Suppressors (Protectors) are NOT intended for high amperage applications. We discuss this in more detail later.

Multi-plug Adapters

Multi-plug adapters have multiple receptacles but plug directly into a wall outlet (no cord), They are discouraged for most uses at UNL. They present a high risk of overloading a circuit by providing the opportunity to plug in many different devices.

Lab Safety & Compliance Survey Companion Guide