Home Electrical Safety Clues

Do you realize that each year, there are 67,800 electrical fires in the home that take the lives of 485 people, injure 2,305 more, and cause $868 million dollars in property loss*? Some electrical fires are caused by lightning and poorly wired appliances, but frequently a lot more are caused by poorly installed wiring, bad use of electrical cords, and overloaded circuits. In fact, non-code wiring (perhaps done by do-it-your-selfers) causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances. While it is usually best to have any electrical service done by a licensed electrical contractor, there are many things you can do around the home to help keep your family safe.

Basic simple statistics to consider

- December is the time of year when most electrical fires tend to occur.

- Almost all electrical fires begin in the bedroom.

- In the cold months, deaths due to electrical fires are much higher. This is usually due to the increased amount of indoor activities, increased lighting needs, heating, and appliance use.

- In city areas, poor wiring is the cause of over 33% of home electrical fires.

- The home appliances most involved in residential electrical fires are central heating units, electric ovens, hair dryers, televisions, radios, and stereo equipment.

These are some simple steps you can take to help prevent electrical fires in the home or business

- Carefully Ponder any Do-It-Yourself electrical project. It is always to have any electrician work done by a licensed electrical contractor.

- NEVER run an extension cord under a carpet! The foot and chair traffic across the rug will over time abrade through the cord, causing an immediate fire hazard.

- Small space heaters are the cause of many fires. Keep clothes, draperies, and any combustible material at least three feet away from space heaters at all times.

- Always check all lamp cords, extension cords regularly, and look for signs of overheating, frayed insulation, or bent prongs. Always replace all worn or damaged electrical cords immediately.

- Routinely check all of your appliances, especially where the cord connects, and look for signs of damaged wiring.

- Never let children play with or near electrical appliances such as space heaters, hair dryers, or irons.

- Never force a 3 prong plug into a two prong socket.

- Never overload extension cords or electrical outlets. As obvious as this sounds, there are a lot of fires that are started by people overloading electrical cords and outlets.

- If you find a light switch that is warm to the touch, or the lights dim when using that switch, call a licensed electrician and replace it immediately.

- Routinely check any electrically powered tools. Make sure you replace any tool that gives off sparks, smoke, or small electrical shocks, or overheats.

- Install and routinely check smoke alarms.

- Practice a house escape plan in case of fire.

By following these straightforward steps you can make sure your family and your home or business is safe from electrical fires.

By: Don Carter

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By Don Carter and a licensed Clearwater electrician and Los Angeles California electrical contractor and electrician Los Angeles at Vozzcom Electric Southern California