Electrical Safety

Avoiding Hidden Electrical Hazards There are two simple steps homeowners can take to protect their families and homes from electrical hazards: Homes should be inspected by a qualified electrician who is looking specifically at the electrical system. A thorough review of the electrical system, such as that described in the NFPA 73 Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings, is particularly important when purchasing an older home. When you have electrical work done, use a professional electrician. "Aged Wiring Fact Sheet," National Fire Protection Association. Web. Oct. 2009. <http://www.nfpa.org>. Safety Tips Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension-cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers. Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet. Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time. If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician. When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle. Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage. National Fire Protection Association. Web. Oct. 2009. <http://www.nfpa.org>.

Get the Facts Every year, fires that start in electrical systems or lighting equipment result in 320 civilian deaths and 830 civilian (non-firefighter) injuries, with damage to more than 24,000 homes. Lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs (28%) and fixed wiring (22%) accounted for the largest share of fires among major types of electrical distribution equipment. Cords and plugs (39%) accounted for the largest share of civilian deaths. Lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs (30%) accounted for the largest share of civilian injuries. Extension cord fires outnumbered fires beginning with permanent or detached (cords that can be detached from appliances) by more than two-to-one. For civilian deaths, the ratio is more than three-to-one. For civilian injuries, the ratio is more than four-to-one. National Fire Protection Association. Web. Oct. 2009. <http://www.nfpa.org>. Common Warning Signs of Electrical Danger All too often we ignore little warning signs of electrical danger in our homes.  The fact is that these signs are not little at all.  Failure to acknowledge these warning signs often relates to the direct cause of numerous electrical fires each year. Warning Sign: Frequent or re-occurring issues with blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. If a fuse opens or circuit breaker is tripped, be sure to investigate the cause before replacing the fuse or resetting the breaker. If necessary, call a qualified electrician to investigate the cause. Warning Sign:  A tingling sensation when you touch an electrical appliance or other metal objects in your home. Getting a shock when you touch appliances in your house can indicate a more serious problem. Be sure to unplug the appliance and discontinue use. Warning Sign:  Discolored or warm outlets, sparks from an outlet. This can indicate arcing, smoldering, burning happening behind your outlets, damaged or improperly installed wiring in the outlet, or a problem with the receptacle itself. Avoid using the outlet or switch and contact a qualified electrician as soon as possible. Warning Sign:  A persistent burning smell coming from an appliance, room, or area within the home. This can indicate that the appliance is overheating or malfunctioning. Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker. Warning Sign:  Flickering or dimming lights. This sign could indicate a short in the wiring, dangerous arcing, or an over-extension of your home’s electrical systems. Contact a qualified electrician to discuss potential reasons for this problem and to have an inspection completed. National Fire Protection Association. Web. Oct. 2009. <http://www.nfpa.org>.

All information on this page (and linked  subpages) has been cited from the National Fire Protection Association website.  To find out more about fire prevention, please visit their website at www.nfpa.org.