Electrical Assessment

Is any part of the building's electrical system 30 years or older?

All electrical equipment has a limited service life. Repeated surges, power outages, load changes, moisture and dirt all impact the service life. As a result, any electrical systems that are greater than 30 years old have a much greater occurrence of failure. Faulty electrical wiring is one of the most common causes of church fires. What compounds the problem is many church buildings are older and electrical demands from modern day equipment increase the chances of electrical failure.

Recommendation:

To help prevent a potential electrical fire, all buildings or sections of buildings with electrical systems 30 years or older should have a licensed electrical contractor inspect the electrical system and make any corrections or updates to the electrical system to meet current electrical codes. This inspection must be verified in writing.

Task(s):

1. Electrical inspection 30 year or older:

   If the building or portions of the building has wiring that is 30 years or older, a licensed electrical contractor should be hired to inspect the building’s electrical system and make any necessary upgrades. Verify the inspection in writing.

Do you have an Electrical Preventive Maintenance Program (EPM) in place that is conducted at least once every three years by a licensed electrical contractor?

As electrical equipment ages, an increase in failures occur. More than two-thirds of electrical system failures can be prevented by a routine preventive maintenance program. Studies show that the failure rate of electrical equipment is three times higher for components that are not part of a scheduled preventive maintenance program as compared with those that are. This EPM program translates to: Is the electrical system clean, cool, dry; and are all connections tight?

Recommendation:

It is recommended that once every three years, preventive maintenance is conducted on the electrical equipment by a licensed electrical contractor.

Task(s):

1. Electrical Preventive Maintenance Program-every three years:

   Once every three years, conduct preventive maintenance on the electrical equipment by a licensed electrical contractor. Verify the inspection in writing.

Does the electrical system utilize fuses?

Fuses can be by-passed by installing a copper penny or by over fusing the circuit (installing a 30 amp fuse in a 15 amp circuit). Fustats® must be installed for screw in type fuse panels. These are safety adapters that are installed into a socket style fuse holder that prevent the use of an oversized fuse on an electrical circuit. Also, if fuses are present, this is a good indication that the electrical service was installed prior to 1970 and is over 30 years old, increasing the chances of an electrical failure.

Recommendation(s):

• If the electrical system utilizes fuses, this is a good indication that the electrical system is over 30 years old. Consideration should be given to upgrading the electrical service by replacing fuses with circuit breakers.
• If fuses are present, a licensed electrical contractor should be hired to inspect the electrical system for the building and make any corrections or updates to the electrical system to meet current electrical codes.
• Screw in type fuses must have Fustat adaptors installed. Fustat adaptors prevent the use of an oversized fuse on an electrical circuit.

Task(s):

1. Fustat adapters:

   Install Fustat adaptors for all screw in type fuses which will help to prevent overfusing.

2. Inspect fuses:

   The building’s electrical fuse system should be inspected by a licensed electrical contractor and make any necessary upgrades. Verify the inspection in writing.

Is there any knob and tube wiring present?

Knob & tube wiring gets its name from the knobs (or insulators) used to keep the wires isolated from objects & the ceramic tubes used to line holes, for example, through wooden floor joists. If present, it is easily found in attics, crawl spaces and unfinished basements in the joists and rafters. Knob and tube wiring indicates old, outdated wiring and indicates the wiring has not been updated.

Knob and tube wiring is different from modern day wiring in that it consists of only a hot (black) and neutral (white) wire, there is no ground wire. Both wires run separately to fixtures as opposed to modern day wire which all three wires are contained within one plastic sheath.

Although knob and tube wiring is a workable system, and safe when installed and used properly, there are concerns with this wiring:

• Knob and tube wiring has no ground and is therefore considered unsafe in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and for use outdoors. You cannot use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet with knob and tube wiring.
• The black and white wires can make contact which is a potential fire and safety hazard. The rubber and cloth insulation around the knob and tube wiring breaks down over time, thus exposing the wires which also could cause a potential fire and safety hazard.
• Knob and tube wiring does not utilize circuit breakers, which increases the risk of fire.
• Using knob and tube wiring generally means the electrical system has not been updated and will be below a 100-amp service. Knob and tube wiring lacks the capacity that is required to handle the electrical demands of modern day equipment.
• In-line splices in walls are installed without junction boxes exposing a potential fire hazard of an uncontained spark caused by arcing following mechanical failure of the splice.
• Knob and tube wiring is designed to let heat dissipate to the surrounding air. With energy efficiency upgrades that involve covering the exposed wires with insulation, this will negate this cooling effect increasing the chances of overheating and fire.

Recommendation:

If the electrical system for the building contains knob and tube wiring, this presents a serious fire hazard since it is not insulated and may not adequately handle the electrical demands of modern day appliances. The knob and tube wiring should be replaced by a licensed electrical contractor.

Task:

1. Knob and tube wiring:

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to inspect and replace all knob and tube wiring.

Are all junction boxes, outlets and switches properly covered?

If electrical junction boxes, outlets and switches are not covered, this presents an electrical shock hazard, exposes the wires to the collection of moisture and dust, and increases the possibility of physical damage to the wiring.

Recommendation(s):

• Electrical junction boxes, outlets and switches should be provided with cover plates. If these are not provided, it can lead to electrical shock, moisture and dust entering the connection, physical damage to the wiring and an electrical fire.

Tasks:

1. Providing electrical connection box covers

   All electrical junction boxes, electrical outlets and light switches with missing cover plates should be provided with appropriate covers.

Is there any use of multiple-tap electrical outlet adapters?

Multiple-tap adapters are typically found around office areas where several machines are used. This will include computers, fax machines, printers, adding machines, etc. The use of multiple-tap adapters can cause wiring to overheat and ignite the insulation on the wiring.

Recommendation:

Multiple tap adapters can cause the wiring to overheat and ignite the insulation on the wiring. If multiple tap electrical outlet adapters are being used, a licensed electrical contractor should be hired to inspect the existing electrical system and add additional electrical circuits with an appropriate number of outlets to eliminate the need for these adapters.

Task(s):

1. Multiple-tap electrical outlet adapters:

   Hire a licensed electrician to inspect the current electrical system and add an appropriate number of additional electrical circuits and outlets to handle the current electrical demand.

Are there any missing panels on electrical breaker/fuse boxes?

Electrical panels should have doors or covers that close to prevent accumulation of dust and physical damage to the electrical circuits.

Recommendation:

If the cover of the electrical breaker/fuse box is open/missing, it should be replaced, as these covers need to be kept closed/replaced to prevent the accumulation of dust in the box and to prevent accidental contact with energized electrical wiring.

Task:

1. Missing circuit breaker/fuse box panels:

   Replace any missing cover panels on any electrical breaker/fuse box.

Are the circuit breakers legibly marked to indicate their purpose?

Marking of circuit breakers allows these breakers to be de-energized in the event of an emergency. For example if a freezer is overheating, having the circuit breaker marked, will enable the power to be shut down quickly to this appliance.

Recommendation(s):

The electrical panel boxes, circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes are not adequately identified. To help prevent a potential injury caused by electrical shock, and to quickly de-energize the circuits in the event of an emergency, each service, feeder, or branch circuit should be legibly marked to indicate its purpose.

Task:

1. Marking circuit breakers:

   Legibly mark all circuit breakers to indicate its purpose.

Are there any “open” spaces in the breaker box panels?

The breaker box panel should be solid with no gaps or open spaces between the breakers. This will prevent accumulation of dust and physical damage to the electrical circuits.

Recommendation:

The missing spacer(s) between the breakers in the electrical breaker panel box need to be installed. The spacer(s) prevent dust from accumulating around wiring in the panel box and to prevent accidental contact with energized electrical wiring.

Task:

1. Breaker box open spaces:

   Install the missing spacer(s) between the breakers within the electrical breaker box.

Are there any combustibles stored within three feet of the electrical panel?

Electrical equipment can and does fail, often catastrophically with arcing that produces large amounts of heat. Any combustible material in the vicinity of the arc flash can be ignited. Access to electrical rooms should be limited to authorized maintenance or operations personnel that understand the importance of maintaining a clean, well ventilated electrical area.

Recommendation(s):

Access to electrical rooms should be limited to authorized maintenance or operations personnel that understand the importance of maintaining a clean, well ventilated electrical area. A concerted effort should be made to reduce the number of unused items and to store items in a neat and orderly fashion. Storage must be no closer than 36 inches of the electrical panels, electrical equipment, ventilation vents and openings.

Task(s):

1. Electrical equipment room clearance:

   Remove any combustible items being stored within 36 inches of electrical equipment and instruct all employees and volunteers of this requirement.

2. Electrical equipment room housekeeping:

   Inspect the electrical equipment rooms on a regular basis to ensure a 36 inch clearance is being maintained and housekeeping is adequate.

Are extension cords being used?

The use of extension cords can most likely be found in every religious organization due to the increased electrical demand for office equipment, audio visual equipment, appliances and holiday decorations. This is an easier and less expensive step than having additional electrical services installed. However, extension cords are designed to be used on a temporary basis only and are generally composed of lighter gauge wiring, thus creating a severe fire hazard. Before using an extension cord, you need to think about whether it is the right extension cord to do the job adequately and safely.

Hazard Example:

A standard lightweight extension cord was being used to power a refrigerator. The extension cord became overheated and melted the insulation of the cord causing a fire. Smoke damage to the parsonage and fire damage to kitchen were reported. The total cost of the loss was $34,500.

Recommendation(s):

Below are some guidelines to follow when choosing an appropriate extension cord.

• Purchase extension cords from reputable distributors and retailers and check the product to ensure that a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has certified the product.
• Is the extension cord going to be used indoors or outdoors? Extension cords rated for outdoor use can be used indoors, but indoor extension cords should never be used outdoors.
• Is the extension cord the appropriate gauge of wire? All extension cords are rated by wire size, known as its gauge. A lower gauge wire is thicker and will carry more electricity. Common gauges of wire are 10 through 14. Choosing the appropriate gauge of wire is important as an undersized extension cord can get extremely hot, possibly melting the insulation of the cord and causing a fire.

Safety precautions to follow when using an extension cord:

• Never use multiple extension cords plugged into each other. This can cause a loose connection, overheating, arcing and possible fires.
• Never use an extension cord in place of permanent wiring. If additional electrical service is needed, permanent wiring of the proper size and current carrying capacity should be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.
• If an extension cord’s insulation has been damaged, remove the extension cord from service and discard appropriately. Never try to repair an extension cord with electrical tape.
• Never nail down or staple an extension cord, instead, use an appropriate cord clamp to secure a cord in a certain location.
• Periodically check all extension cords. If an extension cord’s insulation has been damaged, remove the extension cord from service and discard appropriately. Never try to repair an extension cord with electrical tape. If the cord feels hot or if there is softening of the plastic, the cord is drawing too much power and the plug wires or connections are failing that could present a fire or shock hazard. The extension cord should be discarded and replaced.
• Use polarized extension cords with polarized appliances. Polarized plugs have one blade slightly wider than the other and can only be inserted one way into the connection.
• Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong plugs. Never remove the third prong (round or U-shaped), which is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
• Never cut off the ground pin to connect a 3-prong appliance cord to a 2-wire extension cord or electrical outlet.
• Never run extension cords through walls, under rugs, or across doorways.
• Never use an extension cord while it is coiled, looped or tied in a knot.
• Never place an extension cord where it is likely to be damaged by heavy furniture or foot traffic.
• Avoid placing cords where someone could accidentally trip over them.

Task(s):

1. Extension cord maintenance:

   Inventory and inspect all extension cords to determine if the appropriate types are being used and that their current condition is satisfactory.

2. Permanent Wiring:

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to replace any extension cords being used in place of permanent wiring with adequate hard wired circuits.

3. Extension cord training:

   Train all employees and/or volunteers whose jobs require them to use extension cords on how to use and maintain extension cords safely.

Are qualified electricians or licensed electrical contractors hired to maintain and repair the electrical equipment and systems?

Electrical maintenance and repair within the church is often done by do it yourself volunteers or unqualified staff. The risk of electrical failures and fires increase significantly when work is performed by unqualified personnel. When it comes to electrical work, it is critical to hire qualified electricians or licensed electrical contractors who have the skills necessary to complete the job correctly and safely.

Recommendation:

Only a qualified electrician or licensed electrical contractor should be maintaining and repairing the electrical equipment and systems within your building.

Task(s):

1. Electrical maintenance and repair:

   Maintenance and repair of the electrical equipment and system should be completed by a qualified electrician or a licensed electrical contractor.

Is there any evidence of moisture on the electrical equipment or panels?

Long term exposure of metallic electrical components to moisture causes corrosion and the build up of corrosion by-products that can lead to premature failure and fire. Water entering electrical enclosures can cause failures due to ground faults and arcing.

Recommendation(s):

Electrical equipment areas should be kept dry and equipment protected from moisture. When evidence of moisture contamination is noted, equipment should be examined for damage and necessary repairs made. The source of the moisture needs to be identified and eliminated. All electrical work should be completed by a qualified, licensed electrical contractor.

Task(s):

1. Electrical equipment moisture:

   Evidence of moisture in the electrical equipment room/panels should be examined for damage and necessary repairs made by a licensed electrical contractor.

2. Moisture intrusion repair:

   The source of the moisture needs to be identified and eliminated.

Is there any evidence of dirt or dust on the electrical equipment or panels?

Electrical equipment and panels that are never cleaned accumulate dust and dirt that deposit on the connections. The dirty connections increase the potential for arcing and subsequent fire.

Recommendation(s):

Electrical equipment areas should be clean and equipment protected from dust and dirt. When evidence of dust and dirt is noted, equipment should be examined for damage, equipment should be cleaned and any necessary repairs made. All electrical work should be completed by a qualified, licensed electrical contractor.

Task(s):

1. Electrical equipment dirt or dust:

   Evidence of dirt or dust in the electrical equipment room/panels should be examined for damage and cleaned. Any repairs that are needed should be done by a licensed electrical contractor.

Are circuit breakers taped or altered to prevent them from tripping?

A circuit breaker is a protective device designed to protect the circuit and equipment when overloaded as a result of too many appliances and or equipment on the circuit, as well as when a short develops in a wire. If the circuit breaker is restricted from tripping there is an increased potential for a fire to occur. In addition if an appliance or piece of equipment is malfunctioning the breaker may need to be tripped manually and if access is restricted in an emergency situation the circuit may not be able to be de-energized.

Recommendation(s):

A tripping breaker is an indication of a more serious electrical system problem. The practice of taping or altering breakers to prevent them from tripping should not be done. Furthermore if an appliance or piece of equipment is malfunctioning the breaker may need to be tripped manually. A licensed electrical contractor should be hired to inspect the electrical system and make any necessary repairs.

Task(s):

1. Taped circuit breakers:

   Inspect circuit breakers periodically to make sure they are not taped or altered to prevent them from tripping.

   If circuit breakers are tripping, a licensed electrical contractor should be hired to make any necessary repairs.

Are there any broken or unsupported light fixtures?

Light fixtures should be permanently mounted to the base and not hang unsupported by the electrical wires. This puts undo stress on the wires and the potential for arcing if the wires would come loose. Broken fixtures also present the potential for an electrical short, which can produce sparks that can ignite combustibles.

Recommendation(s):

Light fixtures should be permanently mounted to the base and not hang unsupported by the electrical wires. Light fixtures should be intact and not show any signs of damage. These conditions present the potential for an electrical short, which can produce sparks and a potential fire. A licensed electrical contractor should be hired to make any necessary repairs.

Task(s):

1. Unsupported light fixture:

   All light fixtures should be permanently mounted to the base.

2. Broken light fixture:

   Broken light fixtures should be replaced by a licensed contractor.

Has the building noted any recurring electrical problems, such as blown fuses, tripped breakers, flickering lights or overheated appliance cords?

Blown fuses, tripped breakers, flickering lights or overheated appliance cords can be symptoms of overloaded circuits, improper grounding, non-code wiring, loose connections and a host of other serious adverse conditions. These events can also indicate potential problems with connected equipment, such as motors and transformers, as a result of insulation breakdown, causing abnormal current draw. This increases the load on the system, increasing the chances of fire.

Recommendation(s):

A licensed electrical contractor should be hire to identify the cause of recurring electrical problems such as blown fuses, tripped breakers, flickering lights or overheated appliance cords and make any necessary repairs.

Task(s):

1. Recurring electrical problems:

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to repair any recurring electrical problems, such as blown fuses, tripped breakers, flickering lights or overheated appliance cords.

Have there been any recent changes to the electrical system such as building additions, expansions, remodeling of existing space, new lighting/equipment installed, loads added/relocated or equipment upgrades?

Significant modification or expansion of facilities almost always involves installation of added electrical equipment that increases the load on the system. Increasing electrical loads without updating the electrical distribution equipment (for example; new meter, breaker panels, circuit breakers or conduit) can lead to overloading and increased risk of fire.

Recommendation(s):

Recent changes to the electrical system from building additions, expansion, remodeling of existing space, new lighting/equipment installed, loads added/relocated or equipment upgrades may have increased the electrical load on the current system. A licensed electrical contractor should be hired to evaluate the current electrical system to verify that the changes have not overloaded the system.

Task(s):

1. Electrical system changes:

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate the current electrical system to verify that the changes to the electrical system have not overloaded the system.

Do you occupy a converted storefront building?

Occupying a building that was a different occupancy will typically involve remodeling or expansion of space. This almost always involves installation of added electrical equipment that increases the load on the system. Increasing electrical loads without updating the electrical distribution equipment (for example; new meter, breaker panels, circuit breakers or conduit) can lead to overloading and increased risk of fire.

Recommendation(s):

Occupying a building that was not originally built for the current occupancy will most likely change the electrical demands due to added equipment. A licensed electrical contractor should be hired to verify that the electrical system for the building is adequate for the current occupancy.

Task(s):

1. Electrical system loading:

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate the current electrical system to verify that the electrical system for the building is adequate.

Are any renewable fuses installed?

A renewable fuse is a cartridge style fuse that can be identified by labeling and/or by the end caps that will have threading allowing them to be unscrewed and removed. If the fuse blows, the cap is unscrewed and the link can be replaced allowing the fuse to be reused. Once the link has been replaced, the mechanical connection between the link and the fuse cap can become loose, dirty, corroded or otherwise faulty, resulting in a connection that can generate heat in the hundreds of degrees causing the insulation on the conductor to deteriorate. Once the conductor makes contact with the metal of the panel or the conduit, a short circuit occurs. A short circuit can result in arcing and fire.

Recommendation(s):

Renewable fuses have end caps that can be removed and if the fuse blows, the link can be replaced and the fuse reused. Without scheduled maintenance, the use of renewable fuses greatly increases the chances of arcing and fires. Renewable fuses should be replaced with one-time use standard fuses and any spare renewable fuses and links should be disposed of.

Task(s):

1. Renewable fuses:

   Replace renewable fuses with one-time use standard fuses.

   Dispose of any spare renewable fuses and links.

Are any cartridge fuse clip clamps in use?

Fuse clip clamps, also known as torpedo or depth charge clamps, were originally used on submarines and some warships in World War II. Their purpose was to prevent fuses from coming out of the clips during depth charges or other explosions. Today these are used in some older buildings in an attempt to compress the clip to the fuse blade. This is an indication that the clamp does not have enough compression to make solid contact with the fuse cartridge blade which can lead to resistance to current flow making the clamp and blade elevate in temperature.

Recommendation(s):

Cartridge fuses are being held in place by fuse clip clamps. This is an indication that the clamp does not have enough compression to make solid contact with the fuse cartridge blade which can lead to resistance to current flow making the clamp and blade elevate in temperature. Therefore, the clamp(s) should be replaced by a licensed electrical contractor and the use of the fuse clip clamps should be discontinued.

Task(s):

1. Cartridge fuse clip clamps:

   Replace fuse clamps where clip clamps were installed.

   Discontinue the use of cartridge fuse clip clamps.

Is there a safety disconnect (fuse or breaker) installed between the main electrical service panel and the air conditioning condensing unit in accordance with all applicable National Electric Code requirements and any local code requirements?

A central air conditioner runs on 220 volts of electricity. A connection must be made between the main electrical circuit panel and the condensing unit in order for the air conditioning unit to run. Electrical codes require that a safety disconnect switch be installed near the condensing unit, within sight and readily accessible.

Hazard Example:

Within the control panel for an air conditioning unit, an electrical arc fault occurred. Investigation found that the A/C unit was wired directly to the electrical service with no safety disconnect (fuse or circuit breaker). Since there was no line protection, the arc fault continued down the line causing extreme overload of the remainder of the incoming electrical service and distribution panel for the building. A fire ensued causing all electrical apparatus in the switch room to be destroyed and smoke damage to the church building resulting in a $350,000 loss.

Recommendation(s):

The central air conditioning unit does not have a safety disconnect installed. A safety disconnect should be installed between the condensing unit and the main electrical service feed, within sight and readily accessible. A licensed electrical contractor should be hired to install this safety disconnect in accordance with all applicable National Electric Code requirements and any local code requirements.

Task(s):

1. Air conditioning safety disconnect:

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to install a safety disconnect for the air conditioning unit that is in accordance with all applicable National Electric Code requirements and any local code requirements.

Are all electrical outlets within 36 inches of a water source equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)?

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks by detecting ground faults. They also can prevent some electrical fires and reduce the severity of others by interrupting the flow of electric current. In a building’s wiring system, the GFCI constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through the circuit differs by a small amount from that returning, the GFCI quickly switches off power to that circuit. The GFCI interrupts power quickly to prevent a lethal dose of electricity.

Recommendation(s):

To prevent serious injury or death from electrical shock, all electrical outlets within 36 inches of a water source should be equipped with GFCI protection.

Task(s):

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI):

   Hire a licensed electrical contractor to install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets that are within 36 inches of a water source.