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preventing electrical
fires
Preventing Electrical Fires
Electrical problems are one of the leading
causing of home fires. Electrical wiring and electrical
appliances can be faulty and easily misused resulting in
dangerous fires. Fires are more prone to happen during times
of sleep and during the colds month of winter. More than
half of all fatal home fires happen while people are sleeping
and during winter months when there is an increase in lighting,
heating, and appliance use.
Electricity is everywhere in our homes,
and it's a very practical part of our lives. Unfortunately,
it only takes one old or poorly wired plug to prove just
how powerful it is. This is why it is so important to pay
attention to warning signs. Common warnings include flickering
lights, sparks, warm electrical cords, frequent blown fuses
or broken circuits, and frequent bulb burnouts. Ignoring
these warning signs can result in costly damage. Also, be
sure to keep all levels of your house equipped with fire
alarms.
If for some reason you notice a small electrical
fire beginning to form within your house there are a few
things that you can do to stop the fire before it gets out
of control. You should first pull the plug out or switch
off the power at the fuse box. This may stop the fire immediately.
You can also try smothering the fire with a fire blanket,
or use a dry powder. Whatever you do, make sure to never
use water on it because this can make the fire worse.
Causes:
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Faulty electrical outlets and old wiring.
Wiring often fails due to faulty installation, overloading,
physical damage, aging and deterioration by chemical
action, heat, moisture and weather.
-
Faulty electrical blankets. Check for
sings of fraying fabric, scorch marks, damp patches,
creases or folding, and loose connections.
-
Problems with cords and plugs, such
as extension and appliance cords.
-
Misuse of electric cords, such as overloading
circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under
rugs or in high traffic areas.
-
Misuse of electric stoves and ovens,
dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and
record players. Make sure appliances have space around
them to prevent overheating.
-
The use of improperly rated devices
such as switches or receptacles and loose connections
at these devices.
-
Using the wrong size fuse or even putting
a penny behind a fuse when they don't have a spare.
-
Clothing or towels placed atop a lampshade
and table lamps.
-
Too high a wattage bulb in a light
fixture.
-
A build up of dust, trash and spider
webs is an invitation for fire to start in the electrical
system.
-
Unprotected light bulbs in work areas
are another potential hazard. They can be hit and broken
causing a fire.
-
Overheating motors due to excessive
dirt, poor ventilation, arcing or sparking.
Safety Precautions
-
Check your electrical appliances and
wiring regularly
-
Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance
cords right away
-
Do not overload electrical extension
cords
-
Never overload wall sockets
-
Always keep a shade on a lamp
-
Keep water away from electrical appliances;
pay special attention in the bathroom and kitchen
-
Always look for electrical appliances
that meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard
for safety
-
Keep combustible items at least three
feet from all heaters. Common items include clothes
and curtains.
Never force a three-prong plug into
a two-slot outlet or extension cord
-
Make sure to shut off and professionally
replace any light switches that are hot to the touch
and lights that flicker
-
Be sure to use safety closures to "child-proof"
electrical outlets
-
Use extension cords only when necessary
and make sure they are heavy enough for the job
-
If a fuse blows or circuit breaker
trips repeatedly, check for shorts and other faults
and do not resume use until the trouble is fixed
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