Gate Locks & Combos
If Kootenai Electric Cooperative equipment is behind a locked gate on your property, please be sure we have either a key or combination to that lock so crews have access during outages and other work. Failure to provide KEC with this can slow down the outage restoration process. Also, please keep us updated if you change the locks or combinations. KEC can provide members with a lock to interlock with their own so we can access our equipment. Call (208) 765-1200 for details.
About Your Service Voltage
Did you know the voltage levels that KEC provides to you are governed by a national standard? When members call and report a power quality problem, one of the first things we look at is whether the voltage meets the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI C84.1 is the standard for regulating electric service voltage levels.
Sometimes members have the misconception that their voltage should always be 120 volts or 240 volts. In reality, there is a range for acceptable voltage. The reason for this is electric loads on a grid change by time of day and with the season. These changes create variances in voltage. At KEC, we routinely analyze our electrical system and evaluate its ability to provide power to our members within the ranges specified by the standard.
When that analysis forecasts a problem maintaining this voltage in the future, necessary upgrades are made well in advance. The graphic gives the ranges for typical household voltage at the meter base and at the outlet.
Member Surge Protection Responsibilities
A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home.
Let’s take a look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics.
One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. Most of us have experienced this during a severe thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be
channeled somewhere—unfortunately in many cases, it’s sent through a home.
Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can’t handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you’re experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs.
Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates.
Surges can also occur after a power outage. Sometimes, when electricity is being restored and reconnected, it’s common to experience a quick change in voltage and current due to multiple devices within the home or at the service location being powered up at the same time. There are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics and other devices in your home, or on the member’s side of the electric meter.
Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don’t overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more.
Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities that indicate when a device has been impacted by a surge. Whole-home surge protection prices vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. Whole-home suppressors should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well.
KEC’s Electric Service Handbook provides members and contractors requirements for residential and commercial electric service installations. The handbook outlines member responsibility to provide protective equipment as required by the National Electric Code or other applicable code(s). Additionally, for three-phase motor installations, the member is responsible for installing protection equipment against loss of phase conditions.
