Final answer:
To prevent non-structural damage to lighting fixtures during an earthquake, they should be securely fastened with safety cables, use wire guards, and incorporate flexible connections. Ground fault interrupters (GFI) and isolation transformers are essential for electrical safety in such events.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent non-structural damage during an earthquake, lighting fixtures should be securely fastened to the building structure to ensure they can withstand the shaking and potential impacts. This can include bracing or attaching fixtures directly to the structural components using robust fixtures that are designed to absorb vibrations. Additionally, safety cables or wire guards can be used to prevent fixtures from falling if the primary attachment fails. It's also important to incorporate flexible connections for electrical conduits to avoid breakage from the differential movements between the lighting fixtures and the building structure.
One key component in minimizing risk is the use of ground fault interrupters (GFI) and isolation transformers, which can protect against electric shock by detecting the loss of current to unintentional paths and insulating the device from the power source, respectively. These safety measures become crucial during an earthquake as they can prevent further hazards resulting from damaged electrical systems.