Electronic & Electrical Safety

Electronic & Electrical Safety

Please follow these general guidelines pertaining to electrical safety.

• Turn off power and unplug from the wall before working on electric or electronic circuits, except when absolutely necessary.

• Do not use extension cords as a permanent power source. It is against Ann Arbor Fire Code and will result in fines if these are found by an inspector. The College of Enginerring will be providing some funding, to replace some cording with permanent condiut and wiring. Please contact Jeff Kopmanis (kopmanis@eecs.umich.edu) in 48 ATL (763-9352) if you have questions.

• Do not work on electrical equipment in a wet area or when touching an object that may provide a hazardous earth ground path.

• Turn off power and unplug equipment before checking or replacing fuses. Locate and correct the cause of a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker before replacing the fuse or resetting the circuit breaker.

• Replace defective cords and plugs. Inspect cabling for defects such as frayed wiring, loose connections, or cracked insulation.

• Remove metal jewelry, watches, rings, etc., before working on electrical circuits.

• Always check the electrical ratings of equipment you use and be sure you use that equipment within its ratings.

• Never overload circuits.

• Never leave unprotected systems unattended.

• Never place containers of liquid on electrical systems.

• Never defeat the purpose of a fuse or circuit breaker. Never install a fuse of higher amperage rating than that specifically listed for your circuit.

• Make sure equipment chassis or cabinets are grounded. Never cut off or defeat the ground connection on a plug.

• Safely discharge capacitors in equipment before working on the circuits.

Questions regarding operation , maintenance, or safety of electrical or electronic equipment should be directed to your lab supervisor or an appropriate electronics expert.