Electrical Safety

[MerleE]

Q. What happens when you overload a power strip?

A. See picture.

This picture is of a mini-barn I had to repossess the other day. Evidently someone had a few too many things plugged into a power strip overnight. The result? Almost a total loss for everything in the shed, (smoke and water damage). The shed was several minutes from a pile of ashes.

I realize this is not directly related to pen-turning but it's a good reminder of what can happen when electricity is abused!

If I have any volunteers to come help me clean this thing out I would be more than willing to supply some pizza!!!

 

[Dan Masshardt]

What was plugged into it?

 

[BJohn]

Power strip must not have had a breaker on it either

 

[stonepecker]

While I have strips........One rule for me is that I plug it in the morning and unplug it when I leave for the day. The same thing can happen when you have a computer and all the other "little" things pluged in and leave it.

But also realize that is why they call these things accidents.

Whis I was closer to help. I like sausage and mushroom with extra cheese.

 

[MerleE]

What was plugged into it?

Failed to mention, a Window unit Air Conditioner is the one thing I know was plugged in. That is the first no-no. I always try to give them a dedicated circuit.

The second no-no is you don't modify a building that isn't yours (this building was on a rent-to-own contract and that is specifically forbidden in the agreement)

The fire marshal's report is that the only reason it did not burn was that it was sealed very well. The renter had installed insulation, and then covered that with plastic this allowed only a limited amount of air into the building, slowing the fire.