Electrical Fire
Live Wire Fire Risks
Electricity powers our lives. But each time you flip a switch or turn on an appliance, you may be increasing your electrical fire risk. Electrical currents carried by wiring, switches, plugs, and appliances generate heat. Excessive or uncontrolled heat can start an electrical fire.
Plug Fire Culprits
You need to understand — and respect — the power of electricity and the role it can play in residential fires. The chief culprits in most electrical fires are:
- Incorrectly installed wiring.
- Overloaded circuits and extension cords.
- Improper plugs, switches, and outlets.
- Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting.
Warning Signs
The following warning signs may indicate electrical problems that could cause a fire. If you experience any of these warning signs in your home, contact a licensed electrician to repair the problem:
- Flickering or dimming lights.
- Switches or outlets that are hot to the touch or emit an acrid odor.
- Discolored cords, outlets and switch-plates.
- Repeated blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
Keep Home Wiring Systems Safe To Prevent Electrical Fire
Hire a licensed electrician to:
- Inspect a home and make any needed repairs before you purchase it.
- Ensure that any electrical modifications meet existing codes.
- Inspect and repair outlets and switches.
- Inspect aluminum wiring in homes built from 1965 to 1973 because there have been problems with this wiring used in wall sockets, switches and cable connections.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
- Be sure to replace fuses or circuit breakers with ones of the correct size.
- Have a qualified, licensed electrician repair any problems.
Cords, Outlets and Plugs
Be smart about electrical fire risk and take these precautions when using plugs and electrical cords:
- Don't run cords under carpeting, bedding or other combustible materials, or across doorways or frequently traveled areas.
- Don't overload outlets or use extension cords in place of outlets because these unsafe methods create too much heat and can easily cause fires. Call an electrician to install additional outlets as necessary.
- Be sure plugs fit snugly in outlets to prevent shock and excess heat.
Lighting
Combustible materials can ignite easily when they are exposed to hot bulbs. Keep the following tips in mind when using light fixtures:
- Purchase lamps and fixtures listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent, not-for-profit safety testing and certification organization.
- Use the right bulb wattage for all lamps and fixtures.
- Position lamps away from open windows where strong breezes can blow draperies onto hot light bulbs.
