Preventing Electrical Fires
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

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:

• 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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