A Factsheet
on Home Electrical Fire Prevention
Electrical
fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure
2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures
and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor
maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and
overloaded circuits and extension cords.
The United
States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there
are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property
resulting from electrical fires.
The
Problem
During a
typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths,
and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as
many fires as electrical appliances.
The Facts
December is the
most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in
winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in
lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires start in
the bedroom.
The Cause
Electrical Wiring
Most electrical
fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty
electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as
extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.
In urban areas,
faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.
Many avoidable
electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as
overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or
in high traffic areas.
Home Appliances
The home
appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric stoves and
ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record
players.
Safety
Precautions
Routinely check your
electrical appliances and wiring.
Frayed wires can
cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
Use electrical
extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
Keep electrical
appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to
electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
When buying
electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's
Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
Don't allow children
to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and
hair dryers.
Keep clothes,
curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from
all heaters.
If an appliance has a
three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit
into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
Never overload
extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally
replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
Check your electrical
tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked,
replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks,
overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
Finally, having
a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a
fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your
family.
Related
Topics
Electrical
Safety for Manufactured Homes
Portable
Generator Hazards
Related
Publications (Download, Help)
 Clothes
Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings (PDF, 669 Kb)
Protecting
Your Family from Fire (PDF, 515 Kb)
Protecting
Your Family from Fire - Spanish (PDF, 378 Kb)
Residential
Building Electrical Fires (PDF, 451 Kb)
Related
Publications (Free Order)
Protecting
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Protecting
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Links of
Interest
Electrical
Safety Foundation International
Consumer
Product Safety Commission
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