Safety Resources

You need to call 811 at least 72 hours before digging or submit a locate request online. Dialing 811 connects callers in North Carolina with the state’s one-call center. A representative from the one-call center will ask you for the location and description of your digging job. The representative will then notify Carteret-Craven Electric Co-op and other affected utility companies to send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines. Once your underground lines have been marked, you will know the approximate location of your utility lines and can dig safely.

If you are installing a pool in your yard, you need to know that the National Electrical Safety Code requires a 22.5 foot clearance in any direction from the water level, edge of pool, diving platforms, pool sliding boards or other fixed pool-related structure to the overhead electric service line, and a 25-foot clearance from overhead primary lines. The code applies to in-ground and above-ground pools, hot tubs, and the like.

Additionally, all pools must be a minimum of 5 feet away from any underground electric cables. Call before you set up any in-ground or above-ground pool or hot tub to be sure clearances are met. Before digging for any pool or yard project, call 811 to have underground cables located.

Failure to check clearances can result in additional expense if we have to move any of our lines and facilities or if the pool or hot tub must be moved to comply with the National Electrical Safety Code. The clearances are designed to protect swimmers and people using rescue and skimmer poles, which are typically aluminum, and to keep the path clear for utility workers.

Today, more and more people are purchasing stand-by or backup generators for their homes and businesses. These can be a big help during power outages, but safety should be a major concern. If you are going to have the generator feed your home directly, you should contact a licensed electrical contractor to wire the unit safely and according to the Electrical Code. This will help prevent dangerous situations from happening to you and the electrical personnel restoring power.

Always use caution when operating a portable generator. Improper use can cause problems and injury to electrical utility workers as a result of “feedback” to the utility’s electrical distribution systems.

Here are some safety tips to remember:

• Do not connect a portable generator to your existing house wiring. Connect it directly to appliances, and only use approved and properly sized power cords.
• Operate generators outside, away from flammable objects. Keep children and pets away from portable generators.
• Never add fuel while a generator is running. Turn it off and let it cool first.
• Portable generators should be properly grounded before being used. Read your owner’s manual for instructions.
• The use of an extension cord that is connected to a neighboring home or business is discouraged. Depending on how the cord is connected to the home needing power, it can result in “silent feedback” to the utility’s electrical distribution system.
• This information is posted in the interest of the safety of our customers and employees. CCEC is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from or omitted from these generator safety tips.

In July of 2010, North Carolina lawmakers expanded the state’s ‘move over law’ to include electric utility vehicles restoring power on the sides of roadways. The ‘move over law’ requires motorists to slow down and cautiously approach emergency vehicles with flashing lights, moving over one lane when possible. Beginning in December of 2010, the law included electric utility vehicles that are stopped, with amber lights flashing, on roadway shoulders. The expanded law now protects electric utility workers as they work to maintain power lines or restore power in local communities and along North Carolina’s highways.

Posting items on utility poles may seem like an easy and harmless way to share the news with passersby; however, it presents a safety hazard for our employees. In addition, it’s also against the law (NC General Statute 14-145).

Staples, nails, and tacks used to hang signs, as well as the signs themselves, pose dangers to CCEC lineworkers who climb poles when either restoring power following storms or while performing routine maintenance to ensure system reliability.

Sharp objects can tear the rubber gloves that help to protect lineworkers from electrocution. Also, the items used to hang the signs allow water to enter the pole and quicken the normal deterioration. This means that poles have to be replaced more often, which costs money.

CCEC removes signs and items that are attached to our poles. Companies and individuals who post signs on poles could face legal action or fines.

If someone comes to your door and says they are from CCEC, be alert. Our outside crews wear uniforms with the CCEC logo.  All employees drive company trucks or that are clearly marked with our name. If you are ever unsure of the identity of any personnel on your property, please feel free to call our office.

CCEC employs contract crews for certain jobs. Their vehicles are clearly marked with signage that indicates they are CCEC contractors.

Underground transformers, also known as the “big green boxes,” are necessary to provide electricity to your home. They change high voltage electricity to the lower voltage needed to operate the lights and appliances in your home. While transformers are safe, they are not to be climbed on or played with. Objects, including sticks and fingers, should not be poked into transformers. Report any broken locks on transformer boxes to your cooperative.

Many people like to place vegetation around yard transformers. You should seek advice on plant selection from a local nursery. You do not want to plant items that may obstruct the transformer. Because we need access to the transformer, please keep shrubs and structures 10 feet away from the doors and 4 feet away from the sides. Remember, don’t make the assumption that you know the location of the utilities, always call before you dig.

It is sometimes necessary to repair or replace transformers, and vegetation or objects around transformers may be removed or damaged during service restoration or normal maintenance.

1. When troubleshooting a power failure, never touch your breaker panel or fuse box with wet hands or while standing in water.
2. Do not use any tools to flip the breakers or replace fuses – this can be easily done by hand.
3. Consider installing a surge suppressor to protect your valuable electronics and appliances against damage due to power surges.
4. Make sure you always have a flashlight or battery-powered LED lamp close at hand.