Electrical Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

Each year, more than 41,000 residential fires that claim about 350 lives and cause over 1,400 injuries are due to incidents that involve electrical equipment, such as extension cords, outlets and light bulbs. When was the last time you proactively looked for and corrected electrical safety hazards in your home?

Help protect yourself from electrical hazards by taking a few minutes to check your home for unsafe conditions. Here are a few tips of what to look for:

• Make sure cords are in good condition. A frayed or cracked cord could cause a shock or fire. Replace old and damaged extension cords with new ones having the certification label of an independent testing laboratory on the cord.

• Check to see that extension cords are not overloaded, as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord and appliance. Overloaded extension cords can cause fires. Change the cord to a higher rated one or unplug some appliances. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis and are not intended as permanent household wiring.

• To reduce the risk of electric shock, ensure GFCI protection is provided at kitchen, bathroom (including whirlpool tub), laundry room, garage, and exterior (including hot tub) outlets.  Generally, any outlet within six feet of a water source should be GFCI.  Test GFCIs monthly to make sure they are working properly.

• Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures and lamps to confirm they are not exceeding manufacturer's safe limit. Replace bulbs that have a higher wattage than recommended to prevent overheating that could lead to a fire.

• Check to see that fuses are the correct size for the circuit. Replacing a correct size fuse with a larger size fuse can present a serious fire hazard.  If you have any question, have a professional electrican evaluate.

• If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

• Check to see if outlets and switches are unusually warm or hot to the touch. If so, an unsafe wiring condition could exist. Do not use the outlet or switch and have a qualified electrician check the wiring as soon as possible.

For additional information about electrical safety in the home, please visit Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). 

Click here to learn more about electrical systems and electrical considerations from the U.S. Inspect Web site.