What's Your Electrical Safety IQ?
Electrical safety tips are often thrown around in conversation, but distinguishing fact from myth can be difficult. Think you know everything there is to know about the electricity running through your home? Take this quiz and test your electrical safety knowledge.
Directions: Choose the best answer for each question and keep track of your answers. Then, compare your answers to the correct responses provided below.
1. What is the correct wattage for a light fixture?
a. The wattage the fixture specifically requires, usually noted in the instructions or on the fixture.
b. The wattage the fixture specifically requires or 10 watts above or below what is recommended.
c. It does not matter. You should choose wattage depending on how bright you want the light to be.
2. What objects are conductors of electricity?
a. Metal
b. Water
c. A person’s body
d. All of the above
3. There are different types of extension cords for indoor and outdoor use.
a. True
b. False
4. Where should you place electrical cords when plugged into an outlet?
a. Away from areas of high foot traffic.
b. Bunched behind furniture or underneath a rug so they are out of the way and can’t be seen.
c. Nailed or stapled to the wall to keep them away from foot traffic.
d. Wrapped tightly around a piece of furniture or a fixture to prevent tripping.
5. What is the best way to store your television entertainment system and its components?
a. In an enclosed cabinet underneath the television
b. On a shelf that does not enclose the different devices
c. On the floor
6. You should use water to put out an electrical fire.
a. True
b. False
7. Which of the following is true about Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets?
a. GFCIs are used to protect us from electrical shocks.
b. A GFCI monitors the amount of current flowing and trips the circuit if there is an imbalance.
c. Under most building codes, GFCIs are now required in areas with a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoors.
d. All of the above
8. What is the best practice for light bulb use?
a. Avoid using halogen bulbs because they can overheat.
b. Ensure light bulbs are screwed in securely before use.
c. Turn lights off before changing a light bulb.
d. All of the above.
9. It is a good idea to periodically turn circuit breakers off and on?
a. True
b. False
10. How often should the wiring in a home be inspected by a professional electrician?
a. Every year
b. Every 5 years
c. Every 10 years
d. Every 20 years