The Problem:

During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 26,100 fires and $1 billion in property losses. About half of all residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring.

December and January are the most dangerous months for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. The bedroom is the leading area of fire origin for residential building electrical fires. However, electrical fires that begin in the living room/family room/den areas result in the most deaths.

The Cause:

•Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires.

•Light fixtures and lamps/light bulbs are also leading causes of 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.

Safety Precautions:

•Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately. Do not try to repair them.

•Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

•Major and small appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord. Unplug small appliances when not in use.

•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.

•Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

•Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection and have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

•Keep clothes, curtains, and other items that can catch fire at least three feet from all portable electric space heaters.

•Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.

•Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture, under rugs and carpets, or across doorways.

•Extension cords are for temporary use only. Have a qualified electrician determine if additional circuits or wall outlets are needed.

•Electrical work should be done only by a qualified electrician. Call an electrician if you have any of the following:

• Recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• Discolored or warm wall outlets or switches
• A burning smell or rubbery odor coming from an appliance
• Flickering lights
• Sparks from a wall outlet
• Cracked or broken wall outlets

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.

(Factsheet and above information provided by USFA and FEMA   www.fema.gov)

ARLINGTON, VA  - Summertime increases the demand for
electricity and raises the risk of fire in homes with older or damaged wiring
systems. Air conditioning equipment, electric grills, and attic fans are some
of the seasonal appliances that can place added stress and strain on a home’s
electrical wiring and cause a potentially tragic fire.

Since electricity is uniquely unforgiving and can cause serious injuries or
death, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Electrical Safety
Foundation International are joining together to encourage consumers to protect
their homes from electrical problems.

Between 1994 and 1998, the CPSC estimates that there were over 360,000
residential fires each year, of which over 123,000 were related to electrical
distribution or appliances and equipment, and another 15,000 were related to
heating and air conditioning systems. These electrical fires caused an
estimated average of 910 deaths, nearly 7,000 injuries and nearly $1.7 billion
in property damage each year. Many of these incidents could have been prevented
by having an electrical inspection of the house to find hidden hazards.

This summer, CPSC and ESFI are encouraging homeowners to: 1) have an electrical
inspection conducted for homes 40 years and older, for homes 10 years and older
with major renovations or new appliances added, or that have been resold; 2)
learn the potential hazards posed by aluminum wiring systems and contact CPSC
if your home is among the two million built with aluminum wiring between the late
1960s and early 1970s; and 3) consider installing arc fault circuit
interrupters in place of ordinary circuit breakers, especially if your home is
over 40 years old. AFCIs are new technology designed to prevent electrical
fires by sensing unseen electrical arcing. AFCIs are particularly important
where wiring may have degraded with age.

“The Commission has been working to prevent electrical fires for decades.
We are currently working with other federal agencies and safety organizations
on a major research project involving aged electrical wiring,” said CPSC
Chairman Hal Stratton. “Our best advice for homeowners is to hire a
licensed electrical inspector or electrician to identify and correct hidden
electrical hazards before they become tragedies.”

“Most of us are unaware of how dangerous electricity can truly be within
our homes,” said Michael G. Clendenin, ESFI executive director. “As
summer begins, ESFI’s goal is to inform consumers of common household
electrical hazards and empower them to protect their families and homes. We
hope homeowners will come to regard electrical safety as an essential part of
routine home maintenance.”

It is important for homeowners to understand the severity of an electrical
wiring fire, as it often begins behind a wall, in a basement or in the attic
where the fire can spread throughout the home before setting off the smoke
alarm or becoming evident to occupants. This reduces the amount of time
available to escape a burning building.

Below are additional safety tips to help homeowners create the safest home
possible:

• Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor
  outside sleeping areas and in every bedroom, and are in good working
  order.
• Look for telltale signs of electrical problems such as
  dimming of lights, frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses.
• Ask a qualified electrician if your home would benefit
  from AFCI protection, especially during inspections of older homes or
  upgrades to electrical systems.
• Limit the use of extension cords, particularly cords
  used to power room air conditioners.
• Use light bulbs that are the proper wattage for the
  fixture – higher wattage bulbs can degrade the wires in and around the
  fixture.

From CPSC.GOV; For more information and safety tips, please visit: www.electrical-safety.org.

Are Electric Sockets a Safe Distance away from Sources of Water?

The biggest occurrences of electric shocks and fires occur in the kitchen and bathroom, because these areas tend to be moist. Avoid using space heaters in the bathroom and never use electric appliances close to accumulated water or on wet ground. In the kitchen, ensure that all wires and cords are adequately protected from oil, moisture and heat.

Do All Electric Appliances Function Properly?

An appliance that causes mild electric shocks or overheats must be immediately repaired or replaced. Also make sure that you operate appliances properly.

Is There Sufficient Clearance around Electric Appliances?

All electric appliances must have enough clearance on all sides so that they do not overheat. Ensure that children stay away from electric appliances.

Are Wires and Cords Properly Insulated and in Good Condition?

Torn or frayed electric wires and cords represent an electric hazard. Regularly inspect all electric cords and ensure that the insulation is intact. If not, have them replaced immediately.

Are All Electric Cords away from Foot Traffic?

Electric cords must always be placed away from the high traffic areas in your home, otherwise they may cause people to trip and fall. Additionally, the wires may get damaged and cause an electric shock. Also, avoid placing rugs or furniture over electric cords, because they remain hidden from view and can get damaged faster.

Are Outdoor, Bathroom and Kitchen Sockets GFCI Protected?

All electric outlets in the kitchen, bathroom and outdoors must be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. These are the areas that are most prone to electric accidents and a GFCI protector stops the current before it becomes dangerous.

Are Unused Electric Appliances Unplugged?

Small electric appliances that are not in use must be unplugged, especially if the children have access to them or if they are close to water.

Are All Electric Appliances Tested for Safety?

Only buy electric appliances that have a seal of safety from a reputed testing laboratory. These appliances are extensively tested for safety issues and are safer in your home.

Are Unused Sockets Covered by Safety Covers?

Unused electric sockets must be covered by plastic pads that make them inaccessible to young children. Poking or touching wall sockets with objects can lead to serious electric shocks.

Are All Sockets Cool when Touched?

Hot or discolored sockets are a sign of impending trouble. Another warning sign is a burning smell emanating from an appliance or socket. Contact an electrician immediately for either problem.

Are Extension Cords Used?

Avoid using extension cords permanently. These devices are only meant for use in short term situations. Also ensure that the cords are in good condition and the extension cords and circuits are not overloaded.

Are Lamps Kept a Safe Distance away from Combustibles?

Lamps emit a lot of heat and must be kept a safe distance away from anything that can ignite. If a lamp topples over, it can overheat and start a fire.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/home-electrical-safety-inspection-checklist#ixzz1av9YRXgC

Tip 1 – Overloaded Electrical Sockets

Overloaded sockets are a common cause of household fires. Never put more plugs into the socket than there are spaces for, and avoid using multi-socket adapters and extension leads. Remember one plug per socket.

Tip 2 – Socket Covers

Although electrical sockets are too small for little fingers, they are not too small for other more imaginative items such as food, small toy parts, cutlery and other items. Take the precaution of inserting socket covers into all empty sockets in your home.

Electricity and water don’t mix. If you touch an electrical socket or electrical items with wet hands, you could give yourself an electric shock. Educate your children about this and teach them that they should always dry their hands after washing them.

Tip 4 – Check the Plugs and Wiring on Your Appliances

Make sure that you check the condition of every appliance plug and its wire in your house. Wires should be checked for any scorching or fraying that has occurred. If you find any, do not use that appliance until the wiring has been repaired.

Tip 5 – Running Appliances Overnight

Do not run appliances such as the washing machine overnight. If you leave an appliance unattended while you are sleeping, you will be unaware if anything goes wrong.

Tip 6 – Running Appliances Simultaneously

Beware of running large appliances at the same time like the washing machine and the dishwasher as these use a lot of power and can overheat the system.

Tip 7 – Switch Off at Night

Switch your electrical appliances off at night unless they are needed (like the fridge and freezer).

Tip 8 – Electrical Chargers

Don’t leave electrical chargers plugged in if they are not needed, like your mobile phone charger or laptop charger as these easily overheat.

Tip 9 – Trailing Wires

Don’t leave wires trailing around your house. Even if they don’t seem to pose an electrical hazard, they are easily tripped over. If you have lots of wires in one place, use a cable tidy. In particular, don’t leave wires trailing anywhere where they can trail into water.

Tip 10 – Fitting Sockets

If you are fitting sockets in your house, make sure that they are fitted a safe distance from any water sources like the kitchen sink. Try and leave a space of at least 30 cm. Don’t ever fit sockets in bathrooms apart from shaver supply units unless they are a distance of at least 3 meters from the bath or shower.

Tip 11 – Lighting and Water

If you are putting in lighting, make sure you install a pull-cord switch in the bathroom just in case of wet hands. Enclosed ceiling lights are also preferred in places where there might be splashes or your children may have wet hands.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/11-electrical-safety-tips-for-children#ixzz1av8VgQyz

Each year many Americans are injured in and around their homes. Unsafe conditions such as overloaded circuits and damaged insulation as well as the misuse of extension cords and electrical products create fire hazards and may result in electrocutions.

Take a few minutes to look for and correct electrical safe hazards in your home. It does not take too long to check the insulation on a cord, move an appliance away from water, check for correct wattage light bulbs or install a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). Invest your time. It could prevent an electrical safety hazard and save lives.

Studies of residential electrical fires show that the majority of serious fires need not have occurred. The conditions that caused the fires probably would have been detected by an electrical inspection. These problems were not detected or corrected because no inspection had been made for several years. In a number of cases investigated by CPSC, homes ranging from 40 to 100 years old had not been inspected since they were built. A safety inspection should be performed by a qualified electrical or licensed electrical inspector. To insure the electrical safety of your home, your electrical inspection should be up-to-date and defects corrected.

There are no hard-and-fast rules about frequency of inspection but here are some suggestions: To determine when your electrical system was last inspected, examine the door and cover of your electrical panel(s). The panel should contain a label or tag with a date, a signature, or initials on it. If there is more than one date, the most recent one should be the date of the last inspection. DO NOT remove the service-panel cover. This is a job for a qualified electrician.

Read the entire article here. ]]> http://www.youngelectricinc.com/electrical-safety-and-hazard-faqs/feed 0 http://www.youngelectricinc.com/we-are-currently-updating-our-site-to-better-serve-you http://www.youngelectricinc.com/we-are-currently-updating-our-site-to-better-serve-you#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:34:46 +0000 Young Electric http://youngelectricinc.com/?p=8

Check back soon for a more full featured website. In the meantime, please feel free to call us at 260-356-6223 or stop by our office where we can help you with all of your electrical needs.

We offer Free estimates and 24-hour Emergency Service is available. ]]> http://www.youngelectricinc.com/we-are-currently-updating-our-site-to-better-serve-you/feed 0