Shocking Facts
Overloaded extension cords and faulty electric cords and/or electrical equipment are major causes of fires resulting in injuries or death.
Extension Cords
- Never use extension cords on a permanent basis. They are for temporary use only.
- Never use an extension cord to power a space heater.
- Never use extension cords to power appliances that generate heat or utilize a motor.
- Check extension cords frequently for wear.
Electrical Cords
- Keep cords out of traffic paths and away from areas where children play.
- Keep cords well maintained. Replace any cord that is cracked, frayed or damaged.
- Never pinch an electrical cord against walls or furniture.
Electrical Outlets
- Have a professional electrician install enough electrical outlets in every room.
- Have a professional electrician install special circuits for heavy duty appliances.
- Plugs should match outlets. Three-pronged plugs required three-wired outlets or a properly grounded adapter. Polarized plugs, with one prong wider than the other, require polarized outlets.
- Never cut off or bend the grounding pin of a three-prong plug. This ground connection protects you from a severe shock caused by a faulty cord or malfunctioning appliance.
- Never alter the wide prong of a polarized plug to make it fit into an old outlet. Have the outlet replaced and properly grounded.
Lighting
- Place lamps on level, uncluttered surfaces.
- Be sure that lampshades are secure enough to protect the light bulb from breaking.
- Light bulbs should not exceed the recommended wattage for their lamp fixtures.
Appliances
- All household appliances should bear the label of an independent testing laboratory indicating that they meet basic safety standards.
- Keep heat-producing appliances such as a space heater, stove or steam iron at least 3 feet away from furniture, curtains, or anything that will burn.
- Allow plenty of area space around televisions, computers and stereos to prevent overheating.
- Keep electrical cords away from heat-producing appliances such as toasters and coffee makers.
- Be sure that detachable appliance cords such as those found with coffee makers, deep-fat fryers and popcorn poppers are rated for the electrical load requirement of the appliance.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
- If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, don't just replace it or reset it, find out what caused the overload and correct the problem.
- Never replace a fuse with one that exceeds the amperage rating for a given circuit.
- Avoid using several high-amperage appliances on the same circuit.
- Never replace a fuse with a penny or any other material that conducts electricity.
Power Lines
- Never touch a power line. Doing so can result in a fatal shock or severe injury.
- Keep ladders, especially metal ones, away from power lines.
Outdoors
- Use only weatherproof fixtures and outlets for outdoor installations.
- Never run outdoor extension cords across lawns, driveways or through traffic areas for seasonal lighting or any other types of displays.
- Never use electrical appliances outdoors in wet weather or when the ground is wet, unless specifically designed for such usage.
Warning Signs
You can spot several electrical hazards before they cause a fire or shock. Be alert to the following danger signs:
- Recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
- Feeling a tingle when you touch an electrical appliance.
- Discoloration of outlet covers.
- A smell of burning or other unusual odor coming from wiring or an appliance.
- Flickering lights: If you cannot locate the problem inside your home, call an electrician immediately to inspect electrical connections to your home or at your electric meter. Outdoor meter connections are extremely vulnerable to weather damage.
- Warm electrical cord: If an electrical cord is warm to the touch, the cord is under-rated or defective.
- Frequent bulb burnout: Light bulbs that burn out frequently are a sign that the wattage is too high for the fixture.
- Sparks: If sparks appear when you insert or remove a plug, it could be a sign of loose connections.
Click here for more information on home safety from the Electrical Safety Foundation International www.esfi.org/cms/node/133