In this month’s column, I talk with Brett Brenner, president, Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), about the foundation’s mission, the services it offers, the dangers of counterfeit electrical products and more.


What is the ESFI and its membership about?

The ESFI is the sole electrical industry nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace.


Since 1994, the foundation has led the way in promoting electrical safety across North America. Over the years, the ESFI has become highly regarded by industry, media and consumer safety partners alike by constantly reinvigorating the way electrical safety is addressed. The ESFI creates informed awareness and tailored educational resources designed to meet the diverse needs of a variety of safety communities.


The ESFI’s life-saving electrical safety awareness materials are funded by a diverse group of leaders in the electrical industry ranging from manufacturers and distributors to retailers and electrical contractors.


Describe the ESFI’s role in Electrical Safety Month each May.

As the proud sponsor of National Electrical Safety Month (NESM), the ESFI spearheads an annual campaign to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries and property loss.


Every year in the United States, workplace electrical incidents result in more than 300 deaths and 3,500 injuries. While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries and fatalities, they are disproportionately fatal and costly. For every 13 electrical injuries, a worker dies. Most of these electrically related fatalities and injuries could be prevented.


Awareness of workplace electrical hazards and knowledge of best practices are critical to reducing these statistics. The ESFI’s workplace safety resources provide the tools necessary to minimize electrically related deaths and injuries through workplace electrical safety education. In 2016, the ESFI created workplace electrical safety awareness materials with the focus on “Test Before You Touch,” and lockout/tagout. These materials and previous NESM materials are available on ESFI’s website free of charge.


What programs and initiatives does the ESFI offer to promote electrical safety and further awareness?

In addition to NESM, the ESFI’s programs promote the following:


• Zero Tolerance for ­Counterfeiting—The ESFI has teamed with electrical manufacturers to inform the public on the dangers of counterfeit electrical equipment including phone chargers, lighting, breakers and more.
• Fire Prevention Week—Teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the ESFI offers free fire-prevention resources, including infographics to increase fire and electrical safety awareness for the public
• Severe Weather Safety—The ESFI offers consumers important advice on how to help prevent electrically related deaths, injury and property loss by taking a few precautions during and after severe storms and other natural disasters.

How problematic has the growing presence of counterfeit electrical products and components on the market been?

Intellectual property rights seizures in 2015 increased by 24 percent over 2014, while seizures of electronics fell by 18 percent over 2014. It’s important to purchase from reputable retailers. Trusted manufacturers of electrical products invest heavily in the design of products that meet public and industry safety standards, as well as state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that produce quality electrical products. Products are also made to adhere to the testing requirements of third-party certification organizations. 


When purchasing from an unauthorized third party, there is no guarantee that the products meet public and industry safety standards. They may lack key safety features and specifications.


What is the ESFI’s involvement with advocacy for safety technology and standard compliance?

Adoption of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the necessary level of safety to protect you from electrical fire and shock hazards. With a three-year revision cycle, it is responsive to the public and its needs. An evolving Code allows the incorporation of new technologies and enhanced safety protections in a timely manner.


The ESFI is a staunch supporter of the NEC and its current three-year revision cycle. The process is accountable to the public, both in soliciting public participation in the development process and the resulting protections provided by the Code. The ESFI strongly encourages jurisdictions to adopt the most recent NEC edition to protect its residents with the latest advancements in electrical safety. 


The NEC saves lives, and its importance should not be minimized for self-serving agendas or impeded by a convoluted process; it is the agreed-upon minimum standard for safety, as determined by experts, and should be promptly adopted in full.