Electrical Fire Safety

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical Fires do not have to happen.  Use this checklist to help you find and fix electrical fire hazards in your home before they can start a fire. 

Smoke Alarms - Smoke alarms save lives!

• Do you have enough smoke alarms?
  • NO or I DON'T KNOW: Install smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.
    • Smoke alarms save lives. Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Do not use damaged cords. Replace the cord or the equipment.
• Are they working?
  • NO OR DON'T KNOW: Test smoke alarm once a month by pressing the TEST button. 
    • Smoke alarms can stop working without showing signs of failure, so regular testing is necessary to ensure they are working properly.
• Do you know how old the alarms are? Have you changed the batteries this year?
  • NO OR DON'T KNOW: Replace batteries at least once a year or sooner if they begin to "chirp". When Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years. Replace alarms if you are unsure of their age. The components inside smoke alarms can wear out over time, which could affect their operation. 

Switches and Outlets - Be on the look-out for signs of trouble.

• Are they working?
  • Have a licensed electrician check these switches and outlets.  
    • Improperly operating switches or outlets may indicate an unsafe wiring condition, which could be a fire hazard.
• Do they make crackling, buzzing, or sizzling sounds?
  • Yes: Have a licensed electrician check these switches and outlets.
    • Unusual noises from a switch or outlet may indicate a unsafe wiring condition, such as a loose electrical connection
• Are they warm to the touch?
  • Yes: Stop using these switches and outlets until they are checked by a licensed electrician. 
    • Usually warm switches or outlets may indicate an unsafe wiring condition. 
• Do plugs fit snugly?
  • No: Outlets without a snug fir should be replaced by a licensed electrician.
    • Loose-fitting plugs can cause overheating and fires.

Cords - Never use damaged cords.

• Is there fraying or cracking?
  • Yes: Do not use damaged cords. Replace the cord or the equipment. 
    • Damaged cords may have exposed wires that can be a fire and shock hazard. 
• Are they pinched or pierced?
  • Yes: Move furniture or relocate cords to prevent cord damage.
    • Pinching cords can cause damage to the insulation or break wire strands, creating a fire or shock hazard. 
• Do you use extension cords all the time?
  • Yes: Have an electrician install new outlets where needed or move equipment closer to an outlet. 
• Are cords getting enough air? Are cords kept wrapped up while being used?
  • YES: Unwrap cords.
    • Wrapped Cords trap heat, which can lead to melting or weakening of the insulation. 
• Are cords attached to anything with nails or staples?
  • YES: Remove nails or staples. Check cord and replace if damage. 
    • Nails and Staples can cut or pinch insulation or break wire strands, presenting a fire or shock hazard. 

Lamps and Appliances - Use them safely.

• Are you using the right bulbs? 
  • NO OR I DON'T KNOW: Replace incorrect bulbs with bulbs of the proper wattage. Use bulbs of 60 watts or less if you are unsure of the appropriate wattage.
    • A bulb with a wattage higher than recommended may overheat the light fixture, wiring or nearby combustible material, leading to a fire. 
• Do you use space heaters safely?
  • No: Move heater at least 3 feet away from combustible material, such as curtains, bedding, and newspaper.
    • Some heaters can produce enough heat to ignite nearby combustible materials.
• Are appliance cords protected from damage?
  • No: Move cords away from all heat sources, such as heaters, range and toaster. 
    • Cords can melt or burn from excess heat. This can expose wires and lead to a fire or electric shock. 

Electrical Panel - Know the basics.

• Are all circuit breakers and fuses the proper size?
  • NO OR I DON'T KNOW: Have a licensed electrician determine the correct sizes and install them. 
  • The wrong size fuse or circuit breaker can cause the wiring to overheat, creating a fire hazard.
• Do you have Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)?
  • NO: Consider having a licensed electrician replace the standard circuit breakers with AFCIs. 
    • AFCI are advanced circuit breakers that provide greater electrical fire protection. 
• Have you tested your AFCIs?
  • No: Test AFCIs Monthly using the TEST button on the AFCI. Have a licensed electrician replace defective AFCIs. 
    • AFCIs can stop working without showing signs of failure, so regular testing is necessary to ensure they are working properly.

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