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Rural Electrical Safety
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Government regulations
Electrical codes are enforced in your area to provide for safe electrical use and specify how wiring, electrical devices such as receptacles, lights, pumps, water heaters and all other none portable devices must be installed. Your safety is important!
If in doubt, check with a Qualified Electrician!
Computers and Barns
Computers can be located in barns providing certain precautions are taken:
- Locate computer in an area away from dust, moisture and risk of being kicked or otherwise damaged.
- Use a good quality power bar with surge protection
- A dedicated power outlet
- Remember, don't block the fan outlet.
- Clean the inside of the computer once a month. With the power off and the computer un-pluged, carefully open the case and using canned air blow the dust and bugs out. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, ask your local computer shop for assistance or someone else you trust.
- Clean the keyboard by holding it upside down and using canned compressed air to dislodge the dust etc.
Other considerations:
- A cover is handy when the computer is not turned on
- Keyboard protectors keep the keys clean
- Canned compressed air is available from most computer and electronics stores. Some Hardware stores may also carry it.
- CAUTION - Use of compressed air from pumps may cause damage.
Barn Safety
Extension Cords
- Plugs on each end should be safely secured to the wire and complete with 3 pins (Hot, Neutral and Ground)
- Outer sheath in good repair. No splits, cuts or burn marks.
- If the wire feels overly warm when being used it is not the right gauge. Most extension cords are 16 gauge wire and are suitable for small loads such as hand and garden tools. Large loads such as Heaters require a larger gauge wire. If in doubt consult a qualified electrician.
Lighting
- Safety shields. These help prevent accidental breakage. In some areas special gas and dust shields are mandatory. Check your local regulations.
- Correct wattage for the fixture. Insure the light bulb or device does not exceed the rating for the fixture.
- Replace cracked or broken fixtures.
Wiring
Consider protection from rodents by using conduit or metal clad wiring
Protection from water is very important. Consider using Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) devices. They help protect people and animals
Test your Ground Fault Interrupter devices at least twice a year to ensure proper operation. Check with a qualified electrician if in doubt.
Lightning protection
- Ground wire intact and properly attached at each end. Check using a tool that fits your installation.
- Properly attached to structure. The wire between the Lightning arrester and the Grounding Rod should be secured to the building or structure using insulated stand-offs.
- Grounding Rod buried correctly. Depending on where you live the methods for burying the grounding rod may vary. Check with your local authorities or have them inspect it.
Available devices
- Ground Fault Interrupter outlets (G.F.I.'s)
- Surge protection devices
- Un-Interruptible power supplies
- Lightning arrestors