FuseNews_September 2020_ FuseDSM Your Chamber of Commerce Online Publication

COVER ARTICLE // PRICE ELECTRIC POWERING YOUR HOME OFFICE SAFELY // Price Electric For nearly 25 years, Price Electric’s highly trained electricians have provided professional electrical services for a variety of stakeholders and built a comprehensive resume in industrial, utility, commercial, residential, low voltage communication, and engineering projects.

In 2020, we saw a massive influx of remote work. This resulted in max-shift offices built with the supplies borrowed from here or there, with professionals struggling to find the right space in a nook of their home. We reached out to our FuseDSM Chamber Member, Price Electric, for safety tips to power these makeshift offices.

POWER STRIPS IN YOUR HOME OFFICE ”Power strips” (as they are most commonly referred to) “Surge/Spike Protectors” or “Portable Outlets,” typically consist of several components, such as multiple electrical receptacles, on/off power switch, circuit breaker, and a grounded flexible power cord. Power strips range in appearance from plastic-coated heads to banks of plug-in outlets encased in large metal boxes, often accompanied by LED switches that indicate when the units are turned on. Some models include a push button that automatically trips if the strip becomes too hot for safe operation.”

Power strips are fine to use in moderation, and as long as you observe proper power strip safety. See some suggested safety tips below.

DO’S OF HOME OFFICE POWER STRIPS • Only use light load appliances on power strips such as computers, clocks, audio/video components and lamps.

• Make certain you buy power strips with an internal circuit breaker.

• Always have the cord straight while in use.

• Discard any cord with damaged wires or cracks.