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Electrical Fire Facts
Don't become another fire related statistic!
Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Electrical fires result in more damage and higher dollar loss per fire than nonelectrical fires.
Most electrical fires can be prevented by taking steps to avoid the causes of these fires.
Faulty, frayed cords on appliances and other devices.
Misuse of extension cords: overloading them with too many devices or using them with heavy duty appliances; connecting an extension cord to another extension cord; and using extension cords as a permanent solution (they should only be used as a temporary measure).
Using the wrong type/wattage light bulb in light fixtures and lamps.
Space heaters placed too close to combustible surfaces such as curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, couches and rugs.
Old, outdated appliances.
Outdated electrical wiring, service panels and meter bases. Wiring in older homes often does not have the capacity to support the increased demands of electrical appliances in today’s average home, such as computers, wide screen televisions, DVD players, microwaves and air conditioners.
Electrical distribution systems are the third leading cause of home structure fires.
Each year in the United States, arcing faults are responsible for starting more than 28,000 home fires, killing and injuring hundreds of people, and causing over $700 million in property damage.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that electrical receptacles are involved in 5,300 fires every year, causing forty deaths and more than 100 consumer injuries.
Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no working smoke detectors.
Have your home electrical system thoroughly inspected by a licensed electrician to ensure that all electrical work in the home meets the safety provisions in the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
Ask a licensed electrician if your home would benefit from AFCI protection, especially during inspections of older homes or upgrades to electrical systems. These advanced new safety devices recognize dangerous conditions that are not detected by standard breakers.
Test smoke detectors and AFCIs monthly to ensure that they are working properly.
Establish an evacuation plan that can be used in case of an emergency, and practice with your family.
Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the light fixture.
In homes with young children, install tamper resistant receptacles to prevent electrical shocks and burns.
Conduct a basic assessment of your home electrical system, electrical cords, extension cords, power plugs, and outlets.
Look for telltale signs of electrical problems such as dim and flickering lights, unusual sizzling and buzzing sounds from your electrical system, insulation and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact a licensed electrician immediately.
Use extension cords only temporarily, and never with space heaters or air conditioners.
Avoid overloading outlets. Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician as needed.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. The NEC, while having no legally binding regulation as written, is generally adopted by states and municipalities as the standards by which they enforce safe electrical practices within their jurisdiction.
Considered the benchmark for safe electrical installations, the NEC is published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) every three years.
Nisat Electric can assess your home for electrical fire safety hazards.
Our Master Electrician maintains three licenses including Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician and Journeyman Electrician. For additional information about our licenses including how to verify our licensure status, please visit our Licensure page.
Before choosing an electrician to repair or replace your smoke detectors, read some of our Reviews and learn why you can trust Nisat Electric to do the job right.