Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety | Electrical Outlets | Electrical | Kodak

From the labs where new imaging chemistry is mixed to the production floors that churn out film and ink, electrical outlets power nearly every heartbeat of Kodak’s operation. HEP’s Electrical Safety resources reveal the unseen risks behind each plug-in—arcing, overloading, moisture intrusion—and translate thick codes into clear, Kodak-specific guidance. In minutes, you’ll learn how to spot faulty receptacles, choose the right PPE, and verify grounding before a single watt flows, all while meeting NFPA 70E and corporate standards.

The page then turns knowledge into action: step-by-step checklists walk technicians, engineers, and contractors through safe start-ups, routine inspections, and incident reporting. Links to HEP-approved tools, GFCI reminders, and concise “do/don’t” tips make it easy to protect people, equipment, and the innovation Kodak is famous for—one safeguarded outlet at a time.

FAQs

Why are Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) outlets required in certain areas of a Kodak home?

Kodak and the rest of Tennessee follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), which mandates GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, laundry areas, exterior receptacles, and any outlet within 6 ft (1.8 m) of a water source. GFCIs monitor the current flowing through the hot and neutral conductors; if even a slight imbalance is detected—indicating current may be leaking through you to ground—the device trips in a fraction of a second, greatly reducing the risk of electric shock.

What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI outlets, and do I need both?

GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter) devices protect people from shock caused by ground faults, while AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter) devices protect property by detecting dangerous arcing that can ignite fires in wiring or cords. Newer "dual-function" receptacles combine both technologies. The NEC now requires AFCI (or dual-function) protection on most 120-V branch circuits feeding living areas, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Using the dual-function versions gives you both shock and fire protection in a single outlet, which is highly recommended when upgrading receptacles in Kodak homes.

How can I tell if an outlet in my house is tamper-resistant and why is that important?

Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) have spring-loaded shutters over the live and neutral slots that open only when equal pressure is applied to both. You can identify them by the “TR” marking on the face of the outlet. NEC requires TRRs in nearly all locations of new and renovated dwellings because they dramatically reduce the chance of children inserting foreign objects—one of the leading causes of residential electrical injuries.

Is it safe to use plug-in adapters or power strips to add more outlets?

Occasional use of a UL-listed power strip is fine for low-wattage electronics, but never for high-draw appliances like space heaters, microwaves, or portable AC units. Daisy-chaining multiple strips is a significant fire hazard. If you routinely need more outlets, the safer solution is to have a licensed Kodak electrician add additional receptacles or a dedicated circuit so each device has the current capacity it needs.

Why do my outlets feel warm to the touch, and what should I do?

A slight warmth under heavy load (e.g., when charging multiple devices) can be normal, but if an outlet or its wall plate feels hot, smells like burning plastic, or shows discoloration, shut off power to that circuit immediately at the breaker panel. Excess heat usually indicates loose connections, overloaded wiring, or internal arcing—conditions that can quickly lead to fires. Contact a qualified electrician for inspection and replacement; never ignore a hot receptacle.

Can I replace an old two-prong outlet with a three-prong model myself?

Replacing a two-prong (ungrounded) receptacle with a three-prong version is legal only if the wiring is properly grounded or if a GFCI is installed and labeled “No Equipment Ground.” Because older Kodak homes often lack grounding conductors, you should have an electrician verify the presence of a ground or install a GFCI receptacle and update the circuit labeling. Doing the work yourself without confirming grounding integrity can create a false sense of safety and violate code.