Homes today are brimming with state-of-the-art technology, entertainment, and computer equipment. However, when too many lights and appliances are attached to the electrical system, it will overload - and then overheat. The heat causes the wire insulation to melt and ignite, resulting in an electrical fire. Most electrical fires can be prevented.
Our lives depend on the safe use of electricity in our homes and apartments. Even what might appear as a minor problem, can lead to fire. If you rent your home or apartment, there are important questions that you should ask of your landlord that will help protect you and your family. Consider asking your landlord some or all of the following questions:
When was the last time my residence was inspected by a qualified electrician?
Has my residence ever experienced an electrical fire?
What kind of wiring does my residence have?
Are tenants permitted to do electrical work in their residences?
Are outlets in the bathrooms, around kitchen countertops, basement, and outdoors protected by a GFCI?
Who is responsible for testing my GFCI outlets on a monthly basis?
If I suspect there is a problem with my electrical wiring, who should I contact?
Am I permitted to contract out to get my own inspection of the electrical system?
All wiring systems have circuit breakers or fuses that disconnect power when circuits become overloaded. This is a safety feature to prevent overheating. When a fuse or circuit breaker trips, find the cause and correct it. Never use oversized fuses, foil wrap a fuse, or substitute a fuse with a penny. This will cancel the safety device designed to prevent overheating and cause a fire. If an electrical outlet is hot to the touch, unplug all appliances and have the wiring inspected by a certified electrician as soon as possible.
Two-thirds of all electrical fires begin in plugs or cords on appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, irons, microwave ovens, dishwashers, or lamps. Avoid plugging them into the same outlet or circuit.
Frayed cords expose the electrical wiring that can spark on contact with each other or anything that can ground the electrical current.
Forty-one percent of home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment.
Fifty-three percent of home electrical fires involved other known types of equipment—including ranges, washer/dryers, fans, and space heaters.
Some type of electrical failure or malfunction was cited as factor contributing to ignition for 72% of electrical distribution or lighting equipment home structure fires.