I can help you eliminate possible electrical fire risks by performing a safety inspection in your home.
Electrical — Some live wire fire risks
Electric currents carried by wiring, switches, plugs and appliances generate heat. Excessive or uncontrolled heat can start fires. Electrical fires cause about $674 million in property damage per year.
The threat is particularly great in homes built prior to the 1950s when the electrical wiring didn't always meet today's safety standards. The wiring systems in older homes may not be keeping up with the ever-increasing demands place on them.
You need to understand — and respect — the power of electricity and the role it can play in home fires.
The chief culprits in most electrical fires are
Incorrectly installed wiring.
Overloaded circuits and extension cords.
Improper plugs, switches, and outlets.
Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting.
Warning Signs
The following warning signs may indicate electrical problems that could cause a fire. If you experience any of these warning signs in your home, contact a licensed electrician to repair the problem. If you see, hear or feel anything unusual with a switch or an outlet call 911 immediately.
Flickering or dimming lights.
Switches or outlets that are hot to the touch or emit an acrid odor. (call 911)
Discolored cords, outlets and switchplates.
Repeated blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Be sure to replace fuses or circuit breakers with ones of the correct size.
Have a qualified, licensed electrician repair any problems.
Cords, Outlets and Plugs
Have Fire Sense by taking these precautions when using plugs and electrical cords:
Don't run cords under carpeting, bedding or other combustible materials, or across doorways or frequently traveled areas.
Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
Don't overload outlets or use extension cords in place of outlets because these unsafe methods create too much heat and can easily cause fires. Call an electrician to install additional outlets as necessary.
Be sure plugs fit snugly in outlets to prevent shock and excess heat.
Lighting
Combustible materials can ignite easily when they are exposed to hot bulbs. Keep the following tips in mind when using light fixtures:
Purchase lamps and fixtures listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent, not-for-profit safety testing and certification organization.
Use the right bulb wattage for all lamps and fixtures.
Position lamps away from open windows where strong breezes can blow draperies onto hot light bulbs.