Fire Safety Tips
Electrical Safety
Every year faulty or unsafe electrical equipment and appliances cause hundreds of fires. Most of the fires could have been prevented by using a common sense approach to risk assessment, applying some of the hints in this page and taking the time to do some research and investigation by following the link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This page is not intended to answer all of your questions, but if it 'sparks' some - it's done its job
Electrical safety begins with a product design and continues through the approval and listing through a recognized testing laboratory like Underwriters Labs (UL). Electrical safety does not end there, the final determination on whether it is safe or not depends on the end user, we the consumer, and how we use and maintain the equipment.
Extension cords are handy and offer a cheap and easy alternative to putting in a new outlet, but they should never take the place of permanent wiring needs. Use one cord for each device and do not connect them together. Always use a cord that is heavy duty and rated for the voltage load of the device it will be used on. Extension cords that are damaged, become brittle, show evidence of discoloration or deterioration (especially at the plug) or start to become warm with use, must be removed from use and discarded. Never run an extension cord under a carpet. Rethink that need for the outlet! Extension cords are inexpensive and should never be repaired or spliced together.
Never use electrical equipment intended for indoor use outside in inclement weather. Moisture protection or rainproof electrical equipment for outdoor use is specifically designed to prevent electrical shock or grounding out caused by moisture penetration. Exterior electrical outlets should be connected to a ground fault interrupt circuit (GFI) which will disconnect power when that power goes directly to ground (i.e. you or me!). GFI circuits should also be installed around sinks and bathtubs. Test your GFI on a regular basis by pushing in the test switch or following the manufacturers suggested method. Use plugs equipped with the third prong (ground prong) for all GFI's.
Heating appliances should be unplugged after use. Toasters, coffee makers, espresso machines and similar equipment are all heating appliances and can generate enough heat to ignite kitchen combustibles. Did you leave your toaster plugged in and under the cupboard? Do you have that much confidence that a .50 cent switch will be enough to prevent the appliance from turning on, heating up and catching your kitchen on fire? Portable space heaters should be used away from combustible materials like bedding, curtains, towel racks and clothing. Check your jump shot and hit the laundry hamper with those socks and not the heater! When using heating blankets never pile any clothing or other material on top.
Overloading circuit breakers causes wear and tear on the breaker and generates heat that can be transmitted through the wiring, which can then ignite walls. Check your breaker panel and check for warm or hot breakers, mark those breakers and get them replaced by a qualified electrician. Make certain that your breakers are easily identified by common household landmarks like, "Kitchen", "Up Bedroom", "Mstr Bath", etc. If you have to shut-off a circuit because of a problem, you can rapidly go to the one you need. Keep a clear and open path to your panel so you can get there quickly and, so you don't have any trip hazards when trying to access it during a blackout.
Inspect all portable electrical equipment prior to use. Pay particular attention to those seasonal items that where in storage and are now going to be used for the first time in months. It's amazing how much wear and tear storage can really do to any item, especially if rodents or insects have found it.
Qualified electricians should be consulted or hired when remodeling or upgrading electrical systems, especially in older homes. What is currently available on the market today may not adapt easily to yesterday's technology. All electrical work being performed (regardless if it involves newer or older homes) must meet state, city or national electrical codes standards. The National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA) is the foundation for all state and local codes, but more restrictive measures may be imposed at the city or county level. Contact Labor and Industries and your local building department for more information.
