Ground Dog Safety Program 
24 Hour Electric, is bringing "Copper the Ground Dog" to Spokane, Spokane Valley, Coeur d' Alene, Rathdrum, Post Falls, Athol, Hayden and the Silver Valley to instruct children K-8 on protecting themselves from electrical safety hazards.
If you would like "Copper the Ground Dog" to visit your school please call (208)665-1801.
Consumer Safety Information
Recall Information
Many homes in North Idaho are 30 + years old. Within the last 30 years, there has been numerous recalls on electrical products. To protect yourself and your family from electrical injuries please periodically review the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The best place to find recalls on ALL the products you use: www.recalls.gov
Electrical Hazards in the Home
No other hazard we face in daily life is as unforgiving as electricity. 18 million home owners do not realize the importance of practicing electrical safety when it comes to protecting their homes and loved ones, according to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.
Aluminum Wiring- homes built between 1965-1973 stand a good chance of being wired with aluminum wiring. Aluminum is relatively soft, and as the temperature increases, expands more than the metals from which connectors are made. When current flows through a connection, the connection becomes warmer. The expansion of the aluminum, confined under a screw terminal, generates tremendous pressure, so that the metal flows into the empty spaces in the connector. When the electrical load is removed, the aluminum cools and contracts, and a gap forms between the wire and the connector. The slightly loose fitting connection now has a higher resistance and more corrosion forms, in the gap, increasing the resistance. The next time a heavy load is applied, the connection becomes even hotter. One day the connection may burn out or surrounding material ignite.
Federal Pacific Panels- Federal Pacific was a major manufacturer of electrical panels in the 1950's through 1980. Breakers, on their panel, do not trip when overloaded. Further connections become loose and overheat resulting in fire. To ensure your safety we would recommend replacing your panel.
Danger Signs
Power outages- circuit breakers that frequently trip or fuses that need to be replaced
Dim and flickering lights
Arcs
Sizzle or buzzing sounds coming from your electrical system
Overheating-switch-plates or receptacles that are hot to the touch
Electrical shock- any shock however minor
Overrated panel- electrical panels with fuses or circuit breakers rated at higher currents than the capacity of their branch circuits
Damaged wire insulation- cut, broken or cracked
For more information on electrical dangers in your home, please visit: www.efsi.com
Most Important Electrical Safety Devices
AFCI's- a new type of circuit breaker that recognizes potential fire hazards and immediately shuts off the power. *Now required in all bedrooms.
GFCI's- special outlets that have saved thousands of lives from shocks and burns over the last three decades. *Newer models have a feature to ensure protection when wired incorrectly.
TRO's- new outlets designed to protect small children from inserting foreign objects into them. *More injuries and deaths result from low voltage because the shock interferes with the hearts natural rhythm.
Smoke detectors