A Guide to Practical and Affordable Electrical Safety Devices

A Guide To Practical And Affordable Electrical Safety Devices

What are some inexpensive and effective electrical safety devices worth investing in?

  1. Circuit breakers
  2. GFCI receptacles
  3. Voltage protectors
  4. Automatic voltage regulator
  5. Uninterruptible power supply

 

According to electrical experts and transformer suppliers in the Philippines, having electrical safety devices is vital to making sure that your home is safe from electrical hazards. Although there are a number of electrical safety practices one could abide by, there is always the chance of people forgetting and accidents happening.

In those cases, the presence of safety devices can be the difference between being electrocuted or just getting away with minor injuries.

The good thing is that most safety devices are inexpensive in relation to the value they provide to a household. The safety and security that these devices bring to an establishment is something that everyone should take notice of.

Bear in mind, however, that the effectiveness of these devices depends on the quality of their production. Let’s take a look at the practical and affordable electrical safety devices that are being offered by Meiji Electric.

 

Circuit Breakers

Circuit Breakers

These devices are usually lined up and hidden within a panel box. They’re one of the most important safety devices that should be present in every establishment. Circuit breakers serve as a fail-safe when a certain circuit becomes overloaded.

This simple device can detect when the current flowing in a circuit is too much for it to handle, automatically tripping when it does so. The circuit effectively shuts down in order to prevent any damage from happening.

Without circuit breakers, the potential for electrical hazards increases as there’s no practical way to stop circuits from being overloaded with power.

 

GFCI Receptacles

Gfci Receptacles

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is designed to protect devices by breaking the circuit every time an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current occurs. They protect electrical wiring and receptacles from overheating and other hazards through its automatic sensors and disruptor of the current. GFCI outlets, in particular, are quite effective in minimizing the risk of shock injuries and electrical burns.

It’s highly recommended that outlets near sources of water are GFCI. Places like the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms and pools should have GFCI outlets installed in order to prevent electrical hazards from becoming a serious threat.

GFCI outlets are essential in preventing shocks from happening. The protection that they provide can help you keep appliances functioning for a long time and avoid electrical fires. Bear in mind that without any protection from volatile currents, appliances can suffer internal damage in their electrical systems, especially if they’re sensitive and have strict power requirements.

 

Voltage Protectors

Voltage Protectors

There are many instances wherein the voltage of electricity that’s following through a particular socket becomes volatile enough to surpass the designated range for the appliance. This increase is known as a power surge. These would usually have a negative effect on your appliances as they prevent them from functioning at an optimal level. Sometimes they might even start a fire when left unchecked.

Voltage protectors are used to shield appliances from these power surges from simply ruining them. If a different kind of fluctuation happens, the voltage protector inhibits the irregular flow of power to the device that’s plugged into the voltage protector.

 

Automatic Voltage Regulator

Uninterruptible Power Supply

As per its definition, AVRs are devices that are designed to regulate voltage automatically. It basically converts volatile or fluctuating voltage levels and turns it into a constant one. Its primary purpose is to protect appliances from surges and the effects of fluctuating electricity.
Another more important use of AVRs is its application in places that experience frequent power outages. There are also a number of different kinds of AVR. Here are a few features of Meiji’s line of AVRs.

They are servo-motor types that have four universal outlets. This particular device features a power-on delay of 5-8 minutes as additional protection against sudden surges of electricity. There’s also a quick-start feature and a fuse protective device for overvoltages.

 

Uninterruptible Power Supply

Some of the most common and dangerous electrical problems in any establishment are power surges and sudden power outages. This can damage appliances because it affects their internal systems. A UPS is necessary to make sure that these electrical problems won’t affect your appliances negatively.

Basically, Uninterruptible Power Supplies are devices that supplement the natural flow of electricity when fluctuations happen. UPS will automatically provide power for a limited time so that your appliances won’t experience a sudden shutdown. The time provided by the UPS is more than enough to properly turn off most, if not all, of your appliances.

 

Key Takeaway

These electrical safety devices are incredibly important so that your home will not be prone to electrical hazards. These devices, along with the proper safety practices, will ensure that you won’t have any problems with your electronics — even something as unpredictable as power outages or power surges. If you don’t want to always contact transformer suppliers in the Philippines for electrical problems, you might want to invest in the devices mentioned above.

4 Quick Home Improvements for Better Electrical Safety

4 Quick Home Improvements for Better Electrical Safety

What quick things can you do to improve electrical safety in your home?

  1. Rearrange furniture and appliances
  2. Secure extension sets
  3. Add more practical outlets
  4. Introduce safety reminders

 

One of the most common advice that an electrical company in the Philippines will give homeowners is that they should start early if they want to make their homes as safe as possible. Fortunately, these electrical safety precautions can easily be done even after your home has been completely built! Some of them will need some time as it’s basically a minor renovation, while others can easily be done in just a day.

You don’t need fancy furniture layouts, state-of-the-art warning systems, or a complete overhaul to make your home electrically safe. In fact, the changes that you have to make are relatively simple and easy to accomplish. Just take a look at these quick home improvement ideas that will make your residence safe from electrical issues.

 

Rearrange Furniture and Appliances

Rearrange Furniture and Appliances

It’s highly recommended that people get electrical devices that specialize in protecting other appliances. In the Philippines, UPS suppliers can easily provide you with the right kind of device that’s suited for your applications.

That being said, you can’t just place these devices anywhere near your appliances. You have to be careful and keep it out of reach from children. The same goes for outlets, sensitive appliances, and even some extension sets. These things need to be placed close enough to outlets that you won’t need to use extension cords, but strategically enough to ensure safety in your home

You can also hide outlets at the back of appliances or furniture to keep them away from the reach of children. In doing so, you also lessen the chances of hazards such as spilling liquids or accidentally hitting the plugs from happening.

This is also a good way to keep your home aesthetically pleasing—practically hiding all the cords behind or under furniture.

 

Secure Extension Sets

Secure Extension Sets

Using extension sets should be temporary at best. However, for applications wherein no outlet is available, then you can secure one for that purpose alone.

You should be careful when using extension sets. These devices have certain load capacities that limit the number of devices that they can power at the same time. Make sure that you check the load capacity of these devices and follow within its parameters when using these devices.

Avoid just leaving extension sets on the floor when they are in use. Make sure that they’re either hidden away from passersby or are visible enough so that people will be aware of their presence. You don’t want people tripping on these cords. Not only will it cause harm, but it might also damage your appliances.

For applications where the extension set is going to be used for a long time, it’s best that you cover up the cord on the floor with electrical tape. This way, you remove the risk of people tripping on it. Make sure that the main body of the extension set is also visible and well secured to the floor or the wall.

 

Add More Practical Outlets

When you find yourself using too many extension cords, it can certainly become risky for your power system. If you find yourself in this situation, you should already be considering adding more outlets all around your house. In most instances, it’s better to plug in your appliances directly onto outlets rather than through an extension cord.

More practical outlets mean more areas where you can safely place appliances. This allows them to receive the required amount of electricity without any risks or disturbances in the system.

A good idea is to also use more practical outlets instead of the standard ones. GFCI outlets are usually installed in areas where water is close by. However, you can still install it in other areas in your home for additional safety from any electrical problem that involves a sudden surge in power levels.

You can also install outlets that have different kinds of sockets. Install USB outlets to remove the need for adaptors when powering your gadgets. You can install these near tables and in bedrooms. Since most devices nowadays make use of USB cords and adapters as chargers, these USB outlets will allow you to directly plug in your phone or tablet to your outlets.

 

Introduce Safety Reminders

Introduce Safety Reminders

More of an additional precaution instead of a home improvement, informative signages will constantly remind the members of your family to be careful around electrical appliances and other concerns you want to point out.

As simple as it may seem, sometimes people will just forget about certain hazards because they’re too preoccupied with their desire for convenience. These safety reminders should be effective in reinforcing the significance of always following the rules and how they can prevent injuries from happening.

 

Key Takeaway

You don’t need to spend too much just to make sure that your home is safe from electrical hazards. In fact, as an electrical company in the Philippines suggests, there are a number of easy-to-do things that you can do right now to achieve this. Aim to make your home safe from electrical hazards and you won’t have to worry too much about electric shocks or broken appliances!

How to Spot if a Resort is Electrically Unsafe

How to Spot if a Resort is Electrically Unsafe

What will you find in an electrically unsafe resort?

  1. Inappropriate outlets
  2. Unsecured panel boxes
  3. The use of multiple extension cords
  4. The state of appliances

 

In the Philippines, going to a resort isn’t something that’s only done during vacation or the holidays. Often, families would try to go to resorts whenever they can because of the tropical climate in the country. Chances are if you live in the Philippines, you’ve already visited a resort.

Resorts would always work with trusted electrical equipment and transformer suppliers in the Philippines in order to make sure that their premises are safe from any electrical hazards.

However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are some resorts that fall way under the standard safety requirements because they choose to cut costs or haphazardly buy products that are of low quality.

It’s incredibly important that you take a closer look at the resort that you’re staying at. The bliss that comes from cool pools and great service might be ruined if it turns out that electrical hazards are all over the area.

Make sure that the resort you’re planning on staying in is safe from electrical hazards by keeping an eye out for these bad electrical practices!

 

Inappropriate Outlets

Inappropriate Outlets

It’s often advised that resorts or any other establishment that deals with water have GFCI outlets installed instead of the standard ones. GFCI outlets are specially designed to protect your electrical system from any kind of electrical disturbance, particularly the ones that are caused by external factors such as water, metal objects, and the like.

That being said, using all GFCI outlets alone is not enough. The placement of these outlets should be strategically located so that they won’t be in an area that is too close to the water. If they were, for example, required to be installed behind a poolside bar, the outlet should be placed in the safest place possible or at least have a weatherproof covering.

An acclaimed supplier of transformers and other electrical products such as Meiji Electric offers these GFCI outlets. They can also give you their professional opinion on how you should plan out the locations of your outlets. All of these precautions can make a resort as safe as possible!

 

Unsecured Panel Boxes

Panel boxes are the metal coverings used to secure circuit breakers. The circuit breakers are neatly organized within these panel boxes — usually labeled depending on which circuit they’re responsible for. In more secure resorts, there will also be a panel board — a sort of terminal that enables better control and safety when managing the power supply system.

If no panel board is in use, the management of the resort should always make sure that the cover remains closed unless a repair is being done. When panel boxes are not secured, it exposes the circuits to dust, water, and physical damage. Unsecured panel boxes might not be able to contain the sparks from an arc or short circuit if one were to occur, endangering the combustible items close to it.

An unsecured panel box is also a sign of inattentiveness by the staff since ensuring that they remain closed should not take much effort. Panel boxes should be in a convenient location yet still remain hidden from most of the patrons.

 

The Use of Multiple Extension Cords

The Use of Multiple Extension Cords

Using a single extension set is perfectly fine, but when you find an establishment making use of multiple extension sets in succession aka daisy chaining, this may be a cause for alarm. Bear in mind that extension cords are supposed to be for temporary use only. It shouldn’t be a replacement for a permanent power outlet.

It’s much worse for resorts, however. If extension cords were to be used within pool premises, it can cause problems, especially if the extension cord does not have any GFCI receptacle.

Extension cords that are out in the open are not only unappealing to look at but can also be a hazard on their own. If they’re not secured onto the ground, many visitors and staff might trip on them, potentially damaging the outlet and/or the electronics that are plugged into it.

 

The State of the Appliances

The State of the Appliances

Often when you go to resorts, you’ll find that all of their appliances and other electrical equipment are clean and tidy. However, this might hide some issues with their main electrical systems.

What you probably don’t see is how they’re handled during maintenance or when they’re being repaired. Sometimes, the upkeep of the appliances is ignored. The only thing that’s continually done is to fix up their appearances.

The outlets where appliances are plugged in might experience heavy wear and tear when they’re ignored for quite some time. It’s possible for these outlets to begin having clear signs of heating, sparks, and rusty screws. These hidden problems can lead to a multitude of problems including sparking, short circuits, and electrical shock.

 

Key Takeaway

Resorts should be places of bliss and happiness, not locations where visitors might encounter an electrical shock. Many suppliers of transformers and other electronics recommend everyone to be careful when staying at a resort.

That being said, it’s quite easy to find resorts that have also done ways to keep their visitors safe from electrical hazards. Take, for example, the Princess LJ Hotel and Restaurant, The Bellevue Resort, La Jolla Leisure Estates, and Dakak Park and Beach Resort. These are all resorts that have asked for our help in making sure they can keep their customers safe from electrical hazards.

Simple Reminders for Electrical Safety During the Summer

Simple Reminders for Electrical Safety During the Summer

What should you know to ensure electrical safety during the summer?

  1. Be extra careful with your liquids at home
  2. Stay away from powerlines and power stations
  3. Make sure your electrical appliances are child-proof
  4. GFCI outlets are great for protection
  5. Understand your circuit breaker

 

The worst of the summer may have already passed, but still, the oppressing heat lingers. This has led some to continually find ingenious, albeit dangerous, ways to beat the heat. More often than not, this results in electrical hazards occurring around the house—something that electrical companies in the Philippines would like to not happen.

Because of this, we have created a short list of reminders for you and your family regarding electrical safety as summer slowly starts to go by. With the help of this list, you can ensure that every member of your family will be safe from the most obvious to the most obscure electrical hazards both in your home and wherever you might go this summer!

 

Be Extra Careful With Liquids at Home

The summer heat is so potent that you’ll be sweating even in a well-ventilated room. With intense heat comes the risk of dehydration. People will most likely have some water or other thirst-quenching fluids with them wherever they go.

When you always have a glass or a pitcher of water at the ready, one wrong move might accidentally cause an electrical shock. Remember, there are a number of outlets in your home. Some of them might even be close enough to tables and chairs where you would usually put down a glass of water.

That being said, be careful not to knock over glasses or bottles of water. Especially when you’re near extension cords or outlets.

 

Stay Away from Powerlines and Power Stations

Stay Away from Powerlines and Power Stations

As hot as the summer days may be, it’s also the time when children would usually go outside to play. Common summertime activities might include frolicking around at the park, flying kites, or playing games on the street.

If you live near power stations or powerlines, keep an eye on your children and always remind them to never come close to any. Power stations and power lines are incredibly dangerous since they’re usually surrounded by high voltage fences; not to mention that the structures themselves are carrying high currents that are most certainly fatal.

 

Make Sure Your Electrical Appliances are Child-Proof

Make Sure Your Electrical Appliances are Child-Proof

Children are much more inquisitive than adults. They’ll try to touch everything and anything that they find interesting, including some of your electrical appliances or even the outlets themselves.

Make sure that hazardous appliances are out of your children’s reach. If you have electrical appliances that can easily be moved such as irons, blenders, or electric kettles, make sure that they’re out of reach, or are locked in place.

Great examples of this include the use of plastic plugs to temporarily close off outlets that aren’t in use. This prevents your child from putting their finger into the outlet. This can also be done with extension cords—which should be well hidden or fastened on the ground.

 

GFCI Outlets are Great Protective Measures

GFCI receptacles are basically outlets that can significantly reduce your chances of being shocked. They can also prevent potential accidents caused by water damage to outlets and appliances. This makes GFCI outlets perfect for places where electrical appliances are in proximity to water sources such as the bathroom, the kitchen, and outdoor areas.

That being said, you can’t really say whether an outlet is safe or not after it has suffered from water damage, especially when you consider how dangerous human error truly is. Because of this, it’s almost imperative that you install primarily GFCI outlets in your home. This way, even if you run into a minor accident, you can be sure that you’re safe from being electrical shocks.
As a side note, GFCI outlets can also protect your appliances from sudden volatility in the electrical current, providing more protection for both you and your expensive appliances!

 

Understand your Circuit Breaker

Understand your Circuit Breaker

In case of emergencies, it’s incredibly important for you to know where your circuit breaker is and how to safely switch it off and on again. Keep in mind that your circuit breaker is basically the central hub for all of your outlets. When something goes wrong with one of your outlets, it’s best to turn off the circuit breaker before you do any kind of investigation or repair.

Knowing what to do should an emergency arise is necessary because it can easily make the difference between life and death.

 

Key Takeaway

No matter what the season is, electrical hazards will almost always be present in every household. The first step towards prevention is simply being aware of them. A person who knows how to spot electrical hazards can help prevent electrical shocks from happening to anyone around them. In addition to hazard awareness, you should also actively do your part and educate your family and about these electrical hazards.

There are a lot of tips about promoting electrical safety and preventing hazards in your home provided by electrical companies in the Philippines. Keep these ideas in mind for the rest of the summer and you’ll find yourself safe from any kind of electrical hazard!

Meiji Electric Extension Sets: What are the Best Types to Use for Your Home?

Meiji Electric Extension Sets: What are the Best Types to Use for Your Home?

Which Meiji Electric extension should you use in your home?

  1. MES-3011 collection
  2. MES-2027 collection
  3. MES-1300 collection
  4. MES-1400 collection

 

Among the many electrical suppliers in Metro Manila, Meiji Electric is the one that’s at the forefront of innovation, particularly when it comes to efficient and safe electrical devices. That being said, you should be careful with the many devices that you buy and install in your home. Although there are many that promise safety and efficiency, it’s not practical for you to only rely on what they claim.

Often, you’ll find yourself spoiled with choices when it comes to deciding which electrical device to pick. Because of this, the tendency is for you to choose the first one you find, the cheapest one, or the one recommended by the salesperson. That being said, you should never settle for anything. Even just choosing which extension set you’ll pick should be treated as an important decision.

Not all extension sets are made the same way. In a typical hardware store, you’re going to see numerous brands and kinds of extension cords. Some look no different from the rest, while others have specific features inlaid to them. The bottom line is, not every kind of extension cord is efficiently used in every kind of home. Sometimes, it’s better to be precise and choose specific kinds of extension sets for your home.

To provide more context, here’s a short discussion on Meiji Electric’s line of extension sets and where they’ll be used efficiently.

 

MES-3011 Collection

MES-3011 Collection

This is an extension set with a 3-meter cord and 3 outlets at the end. There’s one outlet on one side, and two outlets on the other for better accessibility.

These are the simplest extension cords that you can get. The outlets are placed this way to allow for at least 2 complicated plugs to be placed without covering up the other outlets. Its 3-meter length lets it extend to a sizable area, perfect for living rooms that have appliances placed in the middle, away from wall sockets.

 

MES-2027 Collection

MES-2027 Collection

These extension sets also have three outlets at the end. The difference is that the outlets are placed side-by-side. This collection also comes in 3-meter, 5-meter, and 10-meter variants. These are made of polycarbonate ABS plastic material which helps bring out a glossy, clean, and modern look.

This is the extension cord that you will typically see in most homes. It looks and feels simple. It’s best used in applications wherein the plug of the appliance doesn’t need an adaptor. This is because the layout of the outlets almost ensures that another outlet will be taken up. That doesn’t mean it can’t be used for such applications, however.

This extension set has the most versatility when it comes to its reach. With 3, 5, and 10-meter cords, you can use it for your living room, or as a temporary extension for housework and even construction projects at home!

 

MES-1300 Collection

This series of extension sets are polarized, durable, and safe. They come with three to six international outlets that each have their own switch and fuse. The fuse is there to protect whatever is plugged in from sudden surges that exceed its limit as well as other faults.

The MES-1300 collection also has a built-in circuit breaker that fortifies the protection of your high-rated appliances. On the off-chance that it trips, you can be sure that it’s a warning sign that your appliance might be experiencing electrical faults or problems.
Lastly, this series is made up of copper bars in order to be more functional than your typical extension sets.

These kinds of extension sets are best used in areas where there are a variety of different appliances that need individual protection. An example of places where it’s best used is a home office. You have your computer, monitor, printer, scanner, and many other appliances that would need to be plugged in accordingly.

Because of the safety and reliability of this extension set—it can also be used in offices where multiple computers, laptops, and other appliances need to be plugged in for people to work.

 

MES-1400 Collection

MES-1400 Collection

This series of extension cords have the most variety in Meiji’s inventory. These extension sets can be used for different purposes and applications.

MES-1400 and MES-1401 is an extension set in the form of a disc that has six international outlets and two USB charging ports. They come with 3-meter and 5-meter cords respectively.
MES-1402 is a smaller version of the 1300 series. It only has two outlets and two USB ports.
MES-1404 is a rounded cube with four international outlets and four USB ports; and
MES 1405 is an extension cord that only has four USB charging ports.

In essence, each of these extension sets has a specific niche it can fill. They are all reliable and safe to use.

With the recent prominence of USB cord-based charging cables for phones, Meiji Electric extension sets have made it easier than ever before to supply power to your devices. You can just plug your charging cable straight into the USB ports found in these extension cords instead of using a bulky and cumbersome adaptor.

 

Key Takeaway

Seldom will you see an electrical supplier in Metro Manila undergo a number of innovations and come up with amazing products just like Meiji Electric. That being said, you should understand that although extension sets are primarily used to extend the reach of outlets, they’re also made to make plugging in appliances more convenient for the customers.