Electrical Fire Safety Tips

Non-adherence to electrical fire safety requirements results in the loss of many lives each day. Electrical fires account for a sizable percentage of fires in most countries. In most cases, improper wiring, overloaded circuits and quick fixes lead to these devastating accidents. Following are some important electrical fire safety tips that will help in the prevention of electrical fires in your home or workplace.

Use Appliances that Meet Safety Requirements

Only buy electric appliances that have been tested and approved for meeting required safety guidelines. Such appliances will have a seal of approval from a recognized testing laboratory such as United Laboratories (UL).

Avoid Overloading Circuits and Extension Cords

Avoid operating more than one large appliance or heat producing electrical device on one circuit at a time. This can overload the circuit and trip it or cause a blown fuse. The same is the case with extension cords that are overloaded with too many connections. Never use extension cords in place of sockets.

Monitor Young Children

Never let children play with wires, cords or electric appliances. Monitor them when they are playing and make sure they stay away from space heaters, ovens, stoves, televisions and other such appliances. Cover all exposed electric sockets with plastic covers.

Use GFCI Protected Receptacles where Needed

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) prevent serious shocks by blocking the current in case of an accident. All receptacles in the bathroom, kitchen and outdoors must be GFCI protected, because these are the areas that see the most electric fires due to the moist and wet environment.

Allow Proper Ventilation around Electric Appliances

Ensure that all electric appliances, especially those that emanate heat, are kept away from combustible materials such as drapery, clothes, carpets, etc. Ensure enough clearance on all sides to prevent overheating. Ensure that appliance power cords are protected from water, grease and heat so that the insulation does not degrade.

Never Touch Electricity Lines

Exposed power lines are very dangerous, because they carry large amounts of electricity. Never touch exposed power lines and report any problem to the concerned authorities.

Check Appliances and Cords Frequently

If you do not use an electric appliance, consider donating or selling it. Check the power cords regularly and rule out any damaged or worn out wires. Never alter plugs in any way.

Install a Smoke Alarm

A smoke alarm can go a long way in preventing fire hazards. It is a good safety practice to install one on every level. Ensure that the smoke alarms in your home are in good condition and have working batteries and install new ones if needed.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

Electric fires are most dangerous because they accelerate with the use of water. You must have a fire extinguisher that is safe to use on electric fires. Also, educate yourself and your family on fire safety. Practice a fire escape plan with your family.

Recognize the Danger Signs

Before an electric fire occurs, several warning signs usually appear. Some of these are blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, burning smells, discolored sockets, minor shocks when you touch an appliance, flickering lights, etc. Get to the root of the problem and consult an electrician.