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.

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.

Why You Should be Wary of Electrical Faults

Why You Should be Wary of Electrical Faults

Why should you be aware of electrical faults?

  1. What are electrical faults?
  2. The causes and effects of electrical faults
  3. How you can prevent electrical faults from happening

 

A common concern of every transformer supplier is electrical faults. Not only are these dangerous, they also have the capacity to render transformers, and many other electronics completely useless. These electrical faults are incredibly dangerous and should be actively prevented to maintain a safe home or workplace.

You have to be knowledgeable about these in order to prevent them from happening. That being said, here’s a short discussion on what electrical faults are:

 

What are Electrical Faults?

Basically, an electrical fault is an imperfection in the electrical circuit that leads to the current deflecting from the intended path. It disturbs the normal flow of electric current and usually ends up damaging the piece of equipment or the circuit in general.

These interruptions in the electricity flow are very dangerous. Oftentimes these have enough power to inflict severe damage to your equipment and even cause death.

Considering only the basics of the nature of electrical systems, there are two principal types of electrical faults. They can be categorized as follows:

Short-circuit Faults – This happens when there is a failure with the insulation. This is the most common cause of electrical failures. Aside from being common, they’re also severe and can result in an abnormally high current through equipment. These will almost always lead to extensive damage to equipment and electronics.

Open Circuit Faults – This is a failure happens within the path of electricity. Electricity flows in a circuit — a continuous path that always goes back to its source. When an interruption is strong enough to break this path or stop the electricity flow at a point in that path, then an Open circuit fault happens. The voltage and currents will either change or cease to exist, and that sudden break in the circuit will likely damage the whole circuit.

 

The Causes and Effects of Electrical Faults

The Causes and Effects of Electrical Faults

There are a number of factors that can lead to electrical faults. Often, they’re related to the existing power system in an area. It’s important to know the causes of these faults so that you can have an idea on how to prevent them from happening to begin with. Take a look at these causes of electrical faults.

 

Equipment Failure

Probably the most common cause of electrical faults, defective electrical equipment should be considered dangerous no matter what they’re used for or where they’re placed. Devices such as generators, motors, transformers, switching devices, and the likes can cause short circuit faults simply by malfunctioning. The equipment might be too old for any use, or maybe its cables are already failing when it comes to insulation.

Human Error

Hand-in-hand with equipment failure are the more probable human errors that can happen from time to time. A single mistake in rating a piece of equipment or device or forgetting things after servicing or maintenance can lead to so many unnecessary and preventable short-circuit faults happening.

Smoke

Smoke, particularly from open fires, can cause the air to ionize and result in the surrounding overhead transmission lines to spark between the lines or between conductors to insulators. This can cause insulators to lose their insulating capacity due to high voltages.

 

After reviewing a few of the possible causes of electrical faults, here are the most common effects that result from them:

Overcurrent flow. When faults happen, the circuit affected would usually have a very low impedance path for the current flow. Because of this, a high current is drawn from the supply and provided to everything that’s connected to the circuit. This causes relays to get tripped, insulation gets damaged, and sometimes sparks might appear.

Loss of Equipment. Electrical devices, when not protected, are usually sensitive to electrical problems. In fact, they can be burnt completely when exposed to a heavy current due to short circuit faults. Oftentimes, short circuits can even lead to electrical equipment literally getting destroyed.

Electrical Fires. In the case of smoke and short-circuiting, there’s a high probability that it will result in an electrical fire.

 

How Can You Prevent Them from Happening?

How Can You Prevent Them from Happening?

Electrical faults are dangerous and should not be taken lightly. You can prevent it from happening by doing a few simple things in your home or in any establishment. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent electrical faults from happening:

Install GFCI Outlets

These devices are able to detect any imbalance in the amount of electricity that flows through an appliance. When it senses a sudden difference above or below what’s the standard deviation, it will automatically cut off the power going through. This will help protect equipment that is sensitive to electrical problems and also prevent them from short-circuiting.

Know Your Appliances

You have to know the appliances you use. Are they still relatively new, or are they old and starting to malfunction a little? Plug them in GFCI outlets and unplug them as soon as you’re no longer using them. The less they’re connected to the electric grid, the fewer chances they’ll be affected by an unforeseen electrical fault.

Use Protective Electrical Devices

Nowadays there are many devices that specialize in electrical augmentation and protection. Try installing these protective machines as they will make sure that your home will be safe from most electrical hazards. Some electronics you can try out are the Uninterruptible Power System, Automatic Voltage Regulators, Protective Transformers, and so much more!

 

Key Takeaway

Electrical faults are just one of the many electrical hazards that can be damaging to equipment and establishments in general. You have to be actively looking for ways to prevent these from happening. Being knowledgeable about electrical faults is the first step in making sure that you’re safe from these electrical problems.

The Use of AVRs & Step-down Transformers for Overseas Filipino Workers

The Use of AVRs & Step-down Transformers for Overseas Filipino Workers

Why should OFWs get AVRs and step-down transformers?

  1. Optimal Device Function
  2. Protection from Voltage Problems
  3. For Home and Family Use

 

The primary function of an AVR, or Automatic Voltage Regulator, as its name suggests, is to regulate voltage. Oftentimes likened to a voltage stabilizer, these two are almost identical if not for very specific differences. Transformer suppliers in the Philippines explain their difference as follows: A voltage regulator is designed to provide a constant voltage at a given output, regardless of the changes in the prior load current. A voltage stabilizer, on the other hand, provides a constant voltage on a specified output regardless of changes in the incoming voltage.

Technically speaking, a voltage regulator is overall better, while the voltage stabilizer can be more specific at times.

Because of this, it’s a well-known fact that AVRs are practical to have, especially if you’re an OFW. When there’s a difference between the required voltage of appliances and the source of power, AVRs are what you need!

Many OFWs who bring their own devices and gadgets practically need to have an AVR as well for all the right reasons. Here are several reasons why OFWs need AVRs!

 

For Optimal Device Function

For Optimal Device Function

Every electronic device has a set voltage requirement. This indicates the amount of voltage it needs to function at an optimal state. Any lower and the electronics will suffer a few hiccups or become slow. Higher voltages won’t mean better performance, rather it might actually damage the device because of overvoltage.

Why is it important to be wary of voltage requirements? Because there are different voltage levels in different countries.

The most common ones, 110v, 120v, 210v, and 220v are the usual standards. As it may seem, there’s a large difference between 110v and 220v.

In the Philippines, most devices are designed to operate with 220v while in Western countries, most devices require 110v. Step-down transformers are perfect for this because it’s primary function is to lower the voltage level to a certain amount. In this case, it can lower 220v to 110v in an instant. They also double as a voltage protector so you can enjoy twice the benefits with one device!

This makes all the difference to OFWs who work in western countries because most of their devices work to get powered optimally with 220v outlets. However, in a country that has only 110v outlets, you’ll always experience undervoltage when you’re plugging into an outlet—potentially damaging your devices.

That being said, with the help of voltage regulators, you’ll be able to plug in your device and automatically get the voltage that you need.

This will help appliances and chargers’ function at their best capabilities.

 

For Protection from Voltage Problems

There are many factors that might lead to voltage related problems, particularly under- and overvoltage. Oftentimes they’re not bad enough to warrant repairs. However, constant exposure to these will have a significant effect on your devices.

Undervoltage occurs when your device is not able to receive the minimum required voltage in order for the device to function properly. This can lead to electronics becoming underpowered, unable to function normally.

Overvoltage, on the other hand, happens when the voltage received exceeds the normal values required which can cause insulation damage to the devices. When left unwarranted, these can lead to short circuits and other damaging effects.

Most of the time, these conditions happen because of unforeseen voltage fluctuations caused by different circumstances—oftentimes on the side of the electricity provider. Some of the more common causes include the following: voltage surges, lightning, and power overload.
Again, automatic voltage regulators are probably the best countermeasure against this for specific appliances because it takes into consideration all these instabilities of voltage and compresses it into something more consistent. By doing so, it protects the devices plugged into it from the damaging effects of experiencing under- and overvoltage.

 

For Home and Family Use

For Home and Family Use

One of the most important reasons why OFWs need an AVR is the fact that they will be in the midst of appliances and devices from two countries. And unless they have the same standard for voltage, you’ll definitely need at least one AVR for you and the family you have back home.
A lot of the times, you’ll be bringing devices and appliances back with you from the country you’ve worked at. And that would mean you’ll have some electronics that require different voltage levels.

Because of this, automatic voltage regulators will probably become a staple in your home because of all the appliances that need it. But that also goes for you as the one who’s working overseas. You will need the help of an AVR for you to safely and optimally charge your phone, tablet, or laptop which you use to stay connected with your family.

Nowadays, your phones or your tablets make it incredibly easy to talk with your family over long distances. However, as accessible as it may be, you still need to take care of your devices so that it will last a very long time.

 

Key Takeaway

The life of an OFW is hard. Living in one country while thinking of your home can get unforgiving at times. With that being said, one thing that’s a constant anywhere you go is electricity and electronic devices. Both of which are important in keeping you safe and connected.

Be sure to buy an AVR from your nearest transformer supplier in the Philippines so that you’ll have a safe and optimized way of powering up your gadgets wherever you go!