School’s Outdated Infrastructure Leads to Electrical Short and Minor Injuries to Child
Incident Investigation
School’s Outdated Infrastructure Leads to Electrical Short and Minor Injuries to Child
February 27, 2023
Electrical
Reference Number:
II-1515128-2023 (#32692)
Location: Penticton
Regulated industry sector: Electrical - Low voltage electrical system (30V to 750V).
Incident Overview
A student at an elementary school placed a metal paper clip in a non-tamper-proof 120-volt 15 amp rated duplex outlet causing an immediate short. The outlet and outlet cover were burned requiring replacement and the student sought medical attention. Schools built to today's standard would incorporate tamper proof receptacles that would prevent this type of incident. The non-tamper proof receptacle made it possible to insert the metal paper clip into the outlet, causing the electrical short and subsequent minor injuries.