Safety Tips & Awareness

Your Safety,
Our Priority

Staying Safe Around Electricity

Electricity is the invisible force that powers our modern world. While it is essential to our daily lives, it demands respect, awareness, and constant vigilance. Whether you are at home, in the office, or on a job site, understanding electrical hazards is the first step toward a safer environment.

Why Electrical Safety Matters

A safe community is built on informed individuals. By prioritizing safety protocols, you protect more than just equipment; you protect lives, homes, and livelihoods.

OTEC adopted the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) in 2021 to achieve a high standard of safety for our employees, member-owners, communities, and businesses within the cooperative. We are committed to providing clear expectations, education, and training to reach our goal of continually improving our safety culture. We incorporate safety as an integral aspect of all operations and a core value of OTEC.

The senior leadership at OTEC has shown their commitment to safety programs through Commitment to Zero Contacts and RESAP, and in return, they have asked for and received the same commitment from our employees. This is essential in defining and operating a successful safety program that protects our people and the public.

Downed Lines

Power Outage

Generators

Equipment

Worker Safety

Tips for Kids

Electrical

Power Surges

EMF

Stay Back, Stay Alive

Never trust appearances. A downed power line doesn't have to be sparking or humming to be deadly. If you encounter a fallen wire, assume it is fully energized and capable of causing fatal injury.

In the Event of a Vehicle Accident:

If your vehicle comes into contact with a power line, do not exit. Your car and the surrounding ground may be highly energized. Stay inside your vehicle, call 9-1-1, and wait for line crews to confirm the area is de-energized. Your vehicle is your safest shield; staying put could save your life.

If you encounter a downed line, your actions in the first few seconds are vital. Follow these to protect yourself and those around you:

Immediate Scene Safety

Keep Your Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet (about the length of two school buses) from any downed line or any object it is touching, such as a fence or a tree.
Never Use "Non-Conductive" Objects: Do not attempt to move a wire with a broom, stick, or PVC pipe. Even materials that normally don't conduct electricity can become deadly conductors if they are damp or dirty.
Avoid Standing Water: Electric current can travel through puddles and wet grass. Never approach a downed line near water.
Do Not Drive Over Lines: A downed wire can become entangled in your wheels or undercarriage, energizing the entire vehicle or pulling down additional poles.

The "Shuffle Step": How to Move Away

Electricity doesn't just sit in the wire; it spreads through the ground like a ripple in a pond. To avoid "step potential"—the difference in voltage between your two feet—you must move away correctly:

Keep your feet together and touching the ground at all times.
Shuffle away using tiny, overlapping steps.
Never lift a foot or take a normal stride until you are at least 35 feet away.

If You are Trapped in a Vehicle

Stay Put: Unless there is an immediate fire, stay inside your car. It is your safest "insulation bubble."
Signal for Help: Honk your horn, roll down your window to shout, and use your phone to call 911. Warn bystanders to stay far away from the vehicle.
The "Clean Jump" (Fire Emergency Only): If you must exit due to fire:
- Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together.
- Do not touch the car and the ground at the same time.
- Once you land, shuffle away until you are at a safe distance.

Helping Others Safely

Don't Become the Next Victim: If you see someone in contact with a wire, do not touch them. As much as you want to help, your body will simply become a second path for the electricity.
Call 911 immediately. The best way to help is to ensure professional rescue and utility crews are on the way.

When the power goes out, your primary goal is to keep your household safe while crews work to restore service. Use these essential tips to navigate an outage from the first flicker until the lights return.

Immediate Safety Actions

Report the Outage: If your power goes out, report the outage directly to OTEC. Call our 24-hour outage hotline at 1-866-430-4265, text the word “outage” to 541-406-6980, or report it through your online account. Direct reports give our crews the information they need to locate the problem and begin restoration.
Stay Clear of Downed Lines: Always assume any fallen wire is energized and deadly. Stay at least 35 feet away and keep children and pets indoors.
Unplug Electronics: Disconnect sensitive equipment like computers and televisions to protect them from potential power surges when electricity is restored. Leave one lamp turned "on" so you know when power has returned.

Water and Flood Precautions

Avoid Submerged Areas: Never enter a flooded basement or room if the water has reached outlets, power strips, or baseboard heaters.
Dry Hands & Ground: Never flip a breaker or touch any electrical equipment if you are standing in water or if your hands are wet.
Post-Flood Inspections: If your appliances or electrical systems have been submerged, they must be professionally cleaned and inspected by a certified technician before being used again.

Safe Environment Management

Generator Safety: Only operate portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Never run them in a garage, basement, or near windows, as carbon monoxide can build up quickly.
Food Preservation: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened fridge will keep food cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer can maintain its temperature for 48 hours.
Safe Heating: Never use a gas oven, range, or charcoal grill to heat your home. These are major fire hazards and sources of toxic fumes.

Post-Storm Building Entry

Verify Utilities: Before entering a storm-damaged building, ensure electricity and gas have been officially disconnected.
Watch for "Stray Voltage": Be cautious when touching damp walls or metal framing, as compromised internal wiring can energize these surfaces.

The Essential Outage Kit

Hydration & Nutrition: A three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food with a manual can opener.
Light & Communication: Multiple flashlights with extra batteries, a portable power bank for phones, and a battery-operated weather radio.
Medical Supplies: A 7-day supply of all essential prescriptions, a standard first-aid kit, and basic pain relievers.
Sanitation: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and basic hygiene products.
Comfort & Protection: Warm blankets, a change of dry clothes, and sturdy work gloves for cleanup.
Documents & Cash: A waterproof folder containing copies of IDs, insurance policies, and a small amount of cash in case ATMs are offline.
Family Needs: Don’t forget baby supplies (formula/diapers), pet food, and "low-tech" entertainment like cards or books.

Generators provide essential comfort during an outage, but improper use creates a silent, deadly hazard for both you and utility crews.

Avoid the Danger of "Backfeeding"

Never plug a portable generator directly into a wall outlet. This causes "backfeeding," where high-voltage electricity flows backward through your meter and onto the utility lines. This unexpected surge can electrocute lineworkers who believe the lines they are repairing are de-energized.

Preventing Electrocution and "Backfeeding"

Avoid Direct Home Connection: Never plug a generator into a wall outlet or your home's main electrical panel. This creates a lethal "backfeed" of electricity onto our power lines, endangering lineworkers and neighbors.
Use a Transfer Switch: The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s wiring is through a professionally installed transfer switch. This device acts as a gateway that prevents power from leaking back into the grid.
Plug Directly into the Unit: For portable units, plug appliances directly into the outlets on the generator. Use only heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are free of cuts, frayed wires, or missing grounding prongs.

Safe Operation and Fire Prevention

Proper Grounding: Ensure your generator is correctly grounded according to the manufacturer's manual to prevent electric shocks.
The "Cold Start" Rule: Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite instantly. Always turn the unit off and let it cool before adding fuel.
Keep it Dry: Operate your generator on a level, dry surface under an open-canopy structure. Using a generator in wet conditions can cause electrocution and damage the unit’s internal components.
Maintain Fire Readiness: Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby and ensure it is rated for electrical and fuel fires.

Managing the Electrical Load

Avoid Overloading: Only use your generator to power essential equipment. Overloading the unit can cause it to overheat, potentially leading to a fire or permanent equipment failure.
The Shutdown Sequence: Before turning off your generator, turn off and unplug all connected appliances. This prevents power surges and protects your electronics.
Follow the Manual: Always keep the manufacturer's instructions with the unit. Never cut corners or bypass safety features to save time.

General Tips

Use a properly rated extension cord to plug appliances into a generator. Do not daisy-chain appliances when using a generator.
Never plug a generator into your home's electrical system.
Place the generator at least 20 feet away from windows or doors.
- This 20-foot rule also applies to a porch or garage (or any part of the home).
Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated, dry area.
- Place the generator under a stand-alone, canopy-like structure if it is raining.
Always direct exhaust away from the home and any door or window when using a generator.
Do not use a generator in a carport or garage, even with the doors open. Exhaust gas can accumulate and cause carbon monoxide poisoning inside the house.

Ensure that working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are located on every level of the home and tested monthly. CO poisoning can happen quickly, and individuals exposed to the odorless, invisible gas may become unconscious before realizing they are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or weakness.

If you use a portable generator, please do so with caution! Generators pose serious safety hazards when improperly used or installed. Remember to follow all manufacturer's instructions.

If it's an electric generator, never plug it into an outlet and don't connect a generator directly to your home's main fuse box or circuit panel. Use properly sized and grounded extension cords and plug strips. Place cords where they don't present a tripping hazard.
If it's gas-powered, never refuel the unit while its operating. Avoid spilling gas or other fuels on hot components.
Always isolate the generator from the utility supply system by plugging appliances directly into the generator itself. Don't try to wire your home's electrical system into the generator. The generator could feed power back into utility lines as power crews work to restore your electrical service, putting those workers' lives at risk!
If you absolutely must provide temporary power to your home's wiring system, the generator must be connected through an approved transfer switch that will isolate your house from OTEC's system. The switch must comply with the National Electric Code and local building codes. These include permits, inspections and installation by a certified electrician.
Always properly ventilate a portable generator. Gas-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly. Use them outdoors in open areas protected from weather and away from windows, doors and vents.
Make sure the total electric load won't exceed the generator's rating.

There are basically two ways to safely use a generator at home.

1. Use a generator rated for 120-volts alternating current (VAC) systems and simply run extension cords from it to each individual appliance you want to power up, such as a freezer, refrigerator, lamp, etc. This method is inexpensive, simple and provides important electrical separation from OTEC's electrical system. But it can be messy if you end up with extension cords everywhere. Place the generator in a safe, dry and outdoor location. This method won't allow for power to well pump because of connection issues and the need for 230 VAC in most cases.

2. If you must absolutely connect a generator to your home's electrical system, use a generator for 240-VAC systems and connect it permanently to your home's electrical system using a transfer switch to ensure electrical separation from OTEC's system. This switch must be installed on the home side of your main disconnect. This transfer switch is a double pole-double throw enclosed switch and allows connection to your entire home from your generator. These switches come in 100 or 200 amp ratings, depending on the rating of the existing power service to your home.

The transfer switch is very important! If your generator is running and its output is not completely separated from OTEC's system, your generator will feed power back into OTEC's line through the transformer that provides you power. The transformer will step up the current to the normal line voltage. An unsuspecting line worker, working on what they think is a deactivated line, could be killed.
If you do not have this line transfer switch and your generator - running or not - is still connected to OTEC's system when the line is energized, your generator will be destroyed instantly.
This line transfer switch should only be installed by a certified electrician!

GenerLink is an automatic transfer switch. A transfer switch can change a meter’s source from our lines to a portable generator. Once a member experiences an outage, they could plug their portable generator into their transfer switch and start it to restore power to their home.

Why would I want one?

It makes it easier to power multiple things without running an extension cord out to a generator for each appliance.

What affect does it have on OTEC's system?

It provides a secure link between the generator and house circuits, preventing dangerous backfeed while allowing you to power selected circuits from the generator.

GenerLink Technical Information

Socket Style: Ring or Ring-less
Utility Input Voltage: 120/240 Volt
Service Size Compatibility: 200 Amp or less
Generator Input Voltage: 120/240 Volt
Generator Compatibility: 7.2 to 9.6 kW
Transfer Type: Break-Before-Make
Transfer Delay: 2-3 Seconds
Life cycle: 300,000 Operations

What comes first: contacting OTEC or purchasing a GenerLink Transfer Switch?

An OTEC employee will need to inspect the meter base before installation, preferably before purchase of one of these devices, to make sure the meter base is in proper working condition and there will not be any violations or hazards due to the installation.

Next Steps:

Member-owner must sign the GenerLink Installation Agreement
GenerLink Agreement
An OTEC employee will need to install the device. Therefore, the member-owner will need to schedule a time for this when they are ready. Please email stakers@otec.coop with questions or to schedule an install.

OTEC is unable to schedule simulated outages for member testing of the GenerLink, as it can be challenging and time-consuming when multiple members are served by the same transformer. If members wish to simulate an outage for testing purposes, they are encouraged to install their own disconnect switch.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperation Among Cooperatives is one of the seven principles that guide electric cooperatives. This generator-safety video was created by Northern Lights Electric Cooperative and is shared here with credit as a practical safety resource for OTEC member-owners.

Utility infrastructure is a complex network designed to move high-voltage power safely. While built to withstand the elements, this equipment is not designed for human contact. Maintaining a respectful distance from all utility assets, above and below ground, is essential for your safety and the reliability of your service.

Look Up: Overhead Safety

Always stay alert to the poles and wires lining our streets. Assume all overhead lines are energized and dangerous. Keep ladders, equipment, and yourself at least 10 feet away from any power line.

Dig Deep: Call 811 First

Hazards aren't always visible. Your yard contains a hidden network of electric, gas, water, and fiber-optic lines. Because soil shifts and installation depths vary, it is impossible to "guess" where it is safe to break ground.

Everyday Awareness & Recreational Safety

Safety is a habit. Whether you are working in the yard or playing with your family, keep these "line-of-sight" rules in mind:

Respect the Infrastructure: Maintain a wide berth around all power lines, meters, transformers, and green electrical boxes (pad-mount transformers). Never allow children to play on or near this equipment.
Clear the Air: Always fly drones, kites, and balloons in wide-open spaces far away from power lines. If an object becomes entangled in a wire, leave it alone. Do not attempt to retrieve it with a stick or ladder; call us immediately for professional assistance.
Safe Climbing: Never climb trees that are located near power lines. During a storm or high winds, these trees can become energized, turning a climb into a fatal accident.
Vertical Awareness: Be extremely cautious when carrying long objects like ladders, pool cleaning poles, antennas, or pruning shears. Always carry them horizontally when moving across your yard to avoid accidental contact with overhead lines.
Equipment Boundaries: Never attach items to utility poles, including basketball hoops, signs, decorations, or fences. These not only damage the pole but also create obstacles that put our lineworkers at risk during repairs.

Underground Safety: Call 811

Safety isn't just about looking up; it’s about knowing what is beneath you before you break ground.

The 811 Process: One free call to 811 connects you with a local One Call Center. They will notify all utility companies (electric, gas, water, and fiber) to send a professional locator to your property.
Free Marking: Within a few business days, locators will use paint or flags to mark the approximate location of your underground lines.
Protect Your Community: Digging without a locate request can lead to life-threatening accidents, massive utility outages for your neighbors, and expensive repair fines. Whether you are planting a single shrub or installing a deck, Always Call Before You Dig.

Contact 811 to reach your local utility locating service at least 48 hours before you dig.

Dial 811 or 1-800-332-2344 or make an online request at the Oregon Utility Notification Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When digging within two feet of the marked area, only use small hand tools such as a garden trowel and avoid contact with the utility line. Remember, requirements have changed and not all utilities are installed the same. While some utilities have protective casings, others do not and can be damaged by tools as simple as a shovel. Always proceed with caution when digging around utility lines.

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative wants to make sure members stay safe at all times. Call 811 or visit DigSafelyOregon.com for location services and protect you and your family. Please remember, this is a state law. If you damage a utility without having location completed, you are liable for the damage caused.

Once you have made your underground locate request, understand there is an expiration date. If you plan on digging past the date, remember to contact the Oregon Utility Notification Center at least two business days before your expiration date expires.

OTEC encourages you to please be aware of electrical equipment when hunting. Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.

Remember: LOOK UP & LIVE!

Keep clear of electrical equipment.
Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
Know where power lines & equipment are located where you hunt.
Be vigilant in wooded areas where power lines are less visible.
Never place deer stands on utility poles.
Never place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment.
Be aware of fire restrictions & exercise appropriate fire safety precautions.

Working Safely Around Power

First responders, agricultural workers and heavy equipment operators often work close to power lines and electrical equipment. Knowing what is overhead, what is underground and when to call OTEC can prevent a routine job from becoming an emergency. The resources below are designed for the people whose work regularly brings them near the electric system.

Did you know OTEC has a program to train first responders using virtual reality?

VR retention statistics indicate significantly higher learning retention rates (around 75% after one year) compared to classroom-style learning (5-10% after 2 weeks), with some studies showing up to 80% long-term knowledge retention after a year. This is attributed to immersive, experiential learning, which boosts real-world application and reduces errors, although user adoption varies.

Contact us today at safety@otec.coop to schedule your First Responder Training today!

We are proud to have a new training video in 360-degree format to teach agriculture workers about the hazards of working near power lines. This innovative video demonstrates OTEC's commitment to our member-owners and their safety.

Tips for a safe harvest:

Identify power lines
Inspect the height of equipment to determine clearance.
Always keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines.
Remember to lower extensions.
If a power line is sagging or looks dangerous, please call us at 541-523-3616. Do not attempt to raise.

You've contacted a power line, and your vehicle is on fire.

You have no choice but to exit the cab. Here is how to do it safely.

CHECK and make sure no wires are in your way.
STAND in the doorway, cross your arms, and put your feet together.
JUMP as far as possible away from the vehicle, and land with both feet together.
DO NOT touch the vehicle.
KEEP your arms crossed and feet together, and HOP at least 50 feet to safety.
If you feel any tingling, HOP further away.

Operating large equipment is a dangerous job. Among the many dangers is the threat of electric shock.

Safety Checklist for Large Equipment Operators

Make a plan each morning. Know where power lines are and how you plan to stay clear of them.
Keep machinery, equipment, and yourself at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines in all directions, at all times. Higher voltage lines require a greater distance be maintained. If you are uncertain of the voltage, maintain a distance of 18 feet.
Use a spotter to help you stay clear of power lines.
Power lines begin to sag over the years. If sagging power lines are in your way, do not raise them. Call OTEC to fix the power lines and raise them high enough for you to work.
Weather should be a consideration in your daily plans. Keep in mind that tall objects could be blown out of control by the wind, and particles in water are a good conductor of electricity. Some activities are not appropriate for a damp or windy day.
If you are on equipment that becomes entangled in power lines, do not step off the equipment. When you step off the equipment, you become the path to ground and receive an electric shock that could be fatal. Stay put, call OTEC for assistance, and warn others not to come near the equipment. Then wait for utility professionals to shut of electricity to the power line, and confirm it is safe to exit the equipment.
Be sure everyone you are working with knows proper safety procedures and emergency contacts.

Curious Minds, Safe Habits

Children often view the world through a lens of play, which means they may not naturally recognize the hidden dangers of high-voltage equipment. By taking a moment to point out the electrical infrastructure in your own neighborhood, you can help them build a lifelong foundation of safety.

Outdoor Play & Recreation

The Tree Rule: Never climb trees that are near power lines. Even if the branches aren't touching the wires now, they can sag or sway during a storm or under a person's weight, creating a path for electricity.
Fly High, Fly Far: Always fly kites, drones, and model airplanes in large open parks or fields. Keep them far away from overhead lines. If a kite gets stuck in a tree near a wire, do not climb up to get it.
Equipment Boundaries: Never play on or around green metal "boxes" (pad-mounted transformers) on cement pads. These are not seats or toys.
Substation Danger: Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment that can cause an "arc" (a jump of electricity) even if you don't touch anything. Never enter a substation to retrieve a pet or a toy; call BTU for help instead.
Safe Shelter: Immediately seek indoor shelter if you hear thunder or see lightning while playing outside.

Home and Water Safety

Wet Hands, Dry Plugs: Never touch an electric appliance, radio, or tablet while in a pool, hot tub, or bathtub. Keep all electronics at least 10 feet away from wet surfaces.
Storm Protocol: It is never safe to swim in a pool or lake when a storm is brewing. Get out of the water immediately at the first sign of bad weather.
Outdoor Gadgets: Do not leave electrical toys or gadgets outside. If it rains, the device can become damaged and cause a shock the next time it is used.
GFCI Protection: Use outlets equipped with "Safety Buttons" (GFCIs) for all outdoor needs. These are designed to shut off power instantly if they detect a problem.

Storm & Hazard Awareness

Flooded Areas: Never wade or play in flooded streets or yards after a storm. Fallen power lines may be hidden underwater, making the entire area energized.
The "Tell an Adult" Rule: Teach children to never go near a downed or dangling wire. If they see one, their only job is to stay far away and tell an adult immediately.
Assume it's Live: Remind children that a power line doesn't have to be moving or making a sound to be dangerous. Always stay away.

Protecting Your Home

Electricity is part of nearly every room and routine in our homes. Because it works quietly in the background, damaged cords, overloaded outlets and other warning signs can be easy to miss. Learning what to watch for can help prevent electrical injuries and fires.

Electricity is a constant presence in our homes, but it requires mindful habits to prevent fires and shocks. Protect your family by following these everyday safety protocols:

Safe Charging & Device Use

Charge on Hard Surfaces: Never sleep with a charging cell phone or leave a device on soft bedding or under a pillow. The heat generated during charging can easily ignite fabric, leading to a fire.
Avoid Cheap Replacements: Use only original or brand-name charging blocks and cables. Generic, cheaply made chargers are a leading cause of overheating and electrical shorts.
Keep Devices Away from Water: Never use a charging phone or tablet near a bathtub, sink, or pool. Fatal electrocutions have occurred when a plugged-in device falls into water.
One Device per Outlet: Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many high-draw items into a single outlet or power strip. If your circuit breakers trip frequently, it is a sign that your system is struggling to meet your power demands.

Home Heating & Appliance Safety

Space Heater Supervision: Always keep portable heaters at least three feet away from flammable items like curtains or paper. Never leave a heater unattended or running while you sleep.
Retire Old Electric Blankets: Replace any electric blanket that is more than 10 years old or shows signs of frayed wiring.
Appliance Inspection: Periodically check your large appliances for frayed cords or damaged plugs. If an appliance smells "fishy" or like burning plastic, unplug it immediately and call a technician.

Advanced Safety Features

Test Your GFCIs Monthly: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (the outlets with "Test" and "Reset" buttons) are designed to save lives by cutting power during a surge. Push the test button once a month to ensure they are still functioning correctly.
Verify AFCI Protection: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) detect dangerous electrical "arcs" (sparks) inside your walls that can cause fires. If your home is older, consult an electrician to ensure your panel is equipped with modern AFCI protection.
Ignore No Symptoms: If your lights flicker often, your outlets feel warm to the touch, or you hear a persistent buzzing from your walls, contact a licensed electrician to assess your home's wiring.

Childproofing for the Next Generation

Get on Their Level: To truly childproof your home, crawl on the floor to see the world from a toddler’s perspective. Look for exposed power strips, dangling cords, or outlets that are easy to reach.
Use Tamper-Resistant Outlets: If your home was built before 2008, your outlets may not have built-in safety shutters. Use plastic safety plugs to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the slots.
Cord Management: Keep charging cables and appliance cords tucked away or secured to furniture so they don't become trip hazards or tempting "toys" for little ones.

Not all power strips are equally protected

Check the label to ensure the power strip has an internal circuit breaker or surge protector.

Look for a certification label

A certification label ensures the unit has been properly tested. Look for UL, CSA, or ETL markings. Unlisted items could be defective & cause injury or damage.

Plug only one power strip into a wall outlet

To prevent overloading, only plug one power strip into a wall receptacle. Flickering lights and blown fuses indicate that too much current is traveling through the outlet.

Do not daisy-chain power strips

Avoid plugging a power strip into another power strip (daisy-chaining). The excessive amount of power being drawn could overload the circuit.

Avoid using power strips with high-wattage appliances

Most power strips are not designed to power high-wattage appliances. Check the label for capacity. Typical power strips are rated 15 amps for a 120-volt circuit (1800 watts max).

Water and electricity do not mix

Never use power strips in a wet environment unless rated for such use. Serious injury can occur from electrocution.

Download the Checklist

More than likely, you have surge protectors in your home with multiple electrical devices plugged into them. Whether on the floor, behind a desk or couch, or placed into the wall, we all understand the need to protect appliances and electronics from power surges.

Read OTEC's Article on Power Surges

Source: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, an “electrical surge is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, or destroy sensitive electronic equipment in a home or business.”

Two main sources of electrical surges are lightning surges and overvoltage generated by the equipment. Lighting surges are the most familiar source for electrical surges; however, they are one of the least common causes. NEMA states, “When lightning strikes near a power line, the electrical energy can boost electrical pressure by millions of volts.”

NEMA estimates that 60% to 80% of surges are created within a facility, such as when large appliances (e.g., air conditioners) turn on and off. This switching creates sudden, brief demands for power, which upset the steady voltage flow in the electrical system and causes repetitive surges. While these surges are nowhere near the intensity of a lightning surge, they can be severe enough to damage components, immediately or gradually, and they occur regularly in most building’s electrical systems.

A common misconception is surge protection strips completely protect a home or business from power surges. Surge strips are useful, but they offer only a limited layer of protection. While they offer protection for devices connected to it, most of the heavy-duty electronic appliances in a home (e.g., television, cooktop, microwave, washer, dryer, and dishwasher) are connected to the mainline, which remains vulnerable during power surges. A surge protective device (SPD) is an appliance or device designed to protect from voltage spikes or surges transmitted from the power distribution line into the home. A SPD, typically, is mounted on a home’s circuit breaker panel. A surge, which lasts a few microseconds, can destroy computer memory, processors, capacitors, and screens. SPDs help to reduce the voltage spike to a value compatible with connected appliances. By layering cord-connected surge protectors and panel-mounted SPDs, we can achieve a more reliable protection scheme for our homes and appliances and electronics.

If you are interested in placing an SPD on your home’s panel, make sure you contact a licensed electrician and request pricing and installation information.

For additional information about electrical surges, go to www.nemasurge.org.

If you have recently experienced property damage that you suspect may be related to power flow fluctuations, please consider the following before seeking compensation from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative:

It is the member's responsibility to protect their equipment from power outages and fluctuations. Large power systems regularly experience power fluctuations that are beyond a reasonable expectation of control on the side of the utility (e.g, "Acts of God"). For example, power outages and related damages caused by weather events fall into this category and are beyond Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative's ability to control.

Given this information, neither the constant flow of electricity nor the absence of power fluctuations can be guaranteed. Please understand that Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative will not provide reasonable compensation for damages from power fluctuations and outages out of its control.

Want to file a claim report for property damage? Please call 541-523-3616.

An electromagnetic field, sometimes referred to as EMF, is created by electrical charges and currents flowing through wires. When an appliance such as your toaster or microwave is turned on, current or charge flows, creating EMF. Given the widespread use of electricity, electromagnetic fields or EMFs are present everywhere in our daily lives.

Understanding Electric and Magnetic Fields Brochure

Extensive research on EMF exposure and safety has been conducted by international and national scientists. The results from this research have been evaluated by reputable international and national scientific and public health organizations and agencies. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative relies on the evaluations from these organizations and agencies when assessing potential risks. All of OTEC’s facilities, transmission and distribution lines follow the rules, regulations and standards for electromagnetic field exposure to provide safe and reliable electric service.

EMFs occur anywhere there is electric power. Most electromagnetic fields found in homes are power frequency (60-hertz), which is categorized as extremely low frequency (ELF). Common sources of electric and magnetic fields in the home are appliances, televisions, computers, and standard electrical wiring. Anything that has a voltage has an ELF electric field. When a device is turned on, electrical current flows, which also creates an ELF magnetic field.

The electric fields near outdoor transmission lines are typically stronger than those found in homes because they have a higher voltage than residential sources or appliances/devices. On the other hand, the magnetic fields around electrical appliances in homes can be as high as or higher than the magnetic fields near outdoor power lines. Because electromagnetic fields decrease significantly with distance from the source, EMF exposure from power lines is reduced significantly by the distance from the wires – including the height of the towers or poles that carry overhead transmission and distribution lines. Transmission line electric fields, but not magnetic fields, are also shielded by trees and homes, so that they are further reduced inside homes and buildings.

In a situation of scientific uncertainty and public concern, the World Health Organization recommended that utilities explore “very low-cost” ways to reduce EMF exposure from new or upgraded facilities. OTEC and other public utilities already pursue no-cost and low-cost measures to reduce EMF levels from new utility transmission lines and substation projects. You, too, may want to take no-cost and low-cost measures to reduce your EMF exposure at home and at work.

Human studies have not produced a consensus about any health benefits from changing the way people use electric appliances. But, if you feel reducing your EMF exposure would be beneficial, you can increase your distance from electric appliances and/or limit the amount of time you use appliances at home or at work.

For instance, you can place phone answering machines and electric clocks away from the head of your bed. Increasing your distance from these and other appliances such as televisions, computer monitors and microwave ovens can reduce your EMF exposure.

You can also reduce your EMF exposure by limiting the time you spend using personal appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, heating pads and electric blankets. You may also want to limit the time you spend using electric cooking appliances. You can locate the sources of EMF in your work environment and spend break time in lower-field areas.

It is not known whether such actions will have any impact on your health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) completed a review of the potential health implications of extremely low frequency EMF, which includes power-frequency fields. Their conclusions and recommendations were presented in June 2007 in a report known as the Extremely Low Frequency Fields, Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No. 238.

The WHO report concluded that evidence for a link between ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia “is not strong enough to be considered causal but sufficiently strong to remain a concern.” “Virtually all of the laboratory evidence and the mechanistic evidence fail to support” this reported association. For all other diseases, there is inadequate or no evidence of health effects at low exposure levels.

The report emphasized that, given the weakness of the evidence for health effects, the health benefits of exposure reduction are unclear and adopting policies based on the arbitrary low exposure limits are not warranted.

Learn More about EMF

Stop the Spark Before It Starts

Wildfire prevention begins before smoke is in the air. Secure trailer chains so they cannot drag and spark. Never park or idle a vehicle on dry grass. Check local restrictions before burning or using outdoor equipment, and never leave a campfire until it is cold to the touch.

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Additional Resources

Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Vegetation Management

Electrical Safety Foundation International

SafeElectricity.org

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