Electricity is everywhere! It powers our kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, computers, water heaters, hairdryers, and countless other necessities in our homes. However, when improperly managed, electricity can be dangerous. It can cause fires and electrocute workers and homeowners, all of which can ultimately lead to serious injury or even death. Thankfully, there are a handful of safety devices that protect users from these hazardous outcomes.Circuit Breakers – This electrical safety device’s purpose is to stop irregular incoming electricity flow. This primarily protects equipment and appliances from overloaded circuits and can be rest either automatically or manually.Fuses – This simple metal strip or wire sacrifices itself by melting if there is too much electricity passing through and into a power system. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses must be replaced after they have done their job of halting abnormal electricity flow. These little devices are required to protect both life and property.Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – If both the neutral and energized conductors become unbalanced, then a GFCI disconnects the circuit to limit the damage caused by electrical shocks. Though, ground fault circuit interrupters don’t do much to protect equipment from electricity overload or short-circuits.Protective Relays – This type of electrical safety device works primarily by monitoring electrical circuits. Working in tandem with circuit breakers, the protective relay is able to trigger the circuit breaker into action to protect electrical equipment.Surge Protectors – These are familiar pieces of equipment that most people use for their computer or entertainment systems. Surge protectors work to prevent voltage spikes from damaging equipment by diverting the voltage to ground or straight up blocking extra voltage.Using these electrical safety devices correctly and maintaining them can be a lifesaver. Plus, they also work to preserve the life of electrical equipment, saving you money on replacements and property damage. Similar Questions What are electrical safety risks in the office?What are Distribution Boards?What are electrical safety risks in a lab?What is the need for isolation in electrical equipment?What is the Voltage of a Neutral Wire?What is common PPE used for electrical safety?What are electrical wire colors?What are the basics of electrical safety?How do electrical fires start and how can they be prevented?Additional Resources National Electrical Code (NEC)Neutral Wire ColorImproving Workplace Electrical Safety10 Essential Steps for Electrical SafetyArc Flash and Electrical Safety

What are electrical safety devices?

Electrical Safety

Electricity is everywhere! It powers our kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, computers, water heaters, hairdryers, and countless other necessities in our homes. However, when improperly managed, electricity can be dangerous. It can cause fires and electrocute workers and homeowners, all of which can ultimately lead to serious injury or even death. Thankfully, there are a handful of safety devices that protect users from these hazardous outcomes.

Circuit Breakers – This electrical safety device’s purpose is to stop irregular incoming electricity flow. This primarily protects equipment and appliances from overloaded circuits and can be rest either automatically or manually.
Fuses – This simple metal strip or wire sacrifices itself by melting if there is too much electricity passing through and into a power system. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses must be replaced after they have done their job of halting abnormal electricity flow. These little devices are required to protect both life and property.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – If both the neutral and energized conductors become unbalanced, then a GFCI disconnects the circuit to limit the damage caused by electrical shocks. Though, ground fault circuit interrupters don’t do much to protect equipment from electricity overload or short-circuits.
Protective Relays – This type of electrical safety device works primarily by monitoring electrical circuits. Working in tandem with circuit breakers, the protective relay is able to trigger the circuit breaker into action to protect electrical equipment.
Surge Protectors – These are familiar pieces of equipment that most people use for their computer or entertainment systems. Surge protectors work to prevent voltage spikes from damaging equipment by diverting the voltage to ground or straight up blocking extra voltage.

Using these electrical safety devices correctly and maintaining them can be a lifesaver. Plus, they also work to preserve the life of electrical equipment, saving you money on replacements and property damage.