Electrical Safety

Outdoor safety

• Never touch or attempt to move a downed power line.
• Fly kites and model planes in wide-open spaces like a field or on the beach.

Transformers

• Stay away from transformers. They are generally green and mounted on concrete slabs, and are found where there are underground power lines.
• Never attempt to open the door of one of these transformers. If you find a door unlocked, call Duke Energy immediately.

Electricity and water

• Don’t use power tools while the ground is wet or while standing in water.
• Don’t touch an electrical appliance while in a pool, hot tub, bathtub or shower.
• Make sure outdoor electrical outlets are weatherproofed and protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This device is designed to protect you from electrical shock.

Downed electrical lines

• Call Duke Energy to report downed electrical lines.
• Don’t touch or attempt to move any downed lines.
• Don’t touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed electrical line.

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)

• All power lines, building wiring, and electric appliances exhibit electric and magnetic fields.
• Electric fields are associated with the voltage level of electric lines and appliances.
• Magnetic fields are associated with the current flow in electric lines and appliances.
• Power line electric and magnetic fields are non-ionizing (does not damage cell tissue).
• Potential health effects of power line EMF have been studied for 50+ years, but no scientific conclusions on health advantages or disadvantages have been identified. 
• EMF and Your Health
• EMF Brochure
• Static Voltage Near Transmission Lines