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Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of fire-related death in the Commonwealth. Between 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 45,000 home electrical fires that resulted in 455 civilian deaths, over 1,500 injures, and more than 1 billion dollars in property damage.
Because these incidents are often caused by poorly maintained or outdated electrical systems, we can help prevent fires and other electricity-related injuries by making a few changes at home:
- Become familiar with the structure of your home electrical system to more readily identify and avoid potentially harmful situations such as broken fuses and overheated wires. Make sure the contact information for your local licensed electrician is accessible at all times to handle problems that are beyond your capabilities.
- Check the electrical systems and appliances throughout your home every six months using this home electrical safety checklist for room-to-room guidance.
- Consult NFPA’s electrical safety tips for checking electrical cords, choosing the right light bulbs, and strategically placing major appliances.
- Support old or faulty electrical systems with supplementary home safety devices such as:
- Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) to locate major and minor arc faults and shut down electricity before a fire starts;
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to detect and prevent dangerous surges of electricity (these devices should be tested regularly); and,
- Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) to secure outlets in your home by closing them off with spring-loaded cover plates (TRRs are now mandatory for all new homes built after 2008.)
- If you plan to do any digging on private or public property, state law requires that you first notify Dig Safe, a communication network that aims to prevent underground utility damage. Dig Safe will notify utility companies of any upcoming excavations to ensure safety for workers and residents alike. You can find additional information about this program in the Dig Safe FAQ.
While the electricity used to operate the appliances in our homes certainly makes our lives easier, keeping our families safe is always the priority. By taking a few extra precautions at home, we won’t have to compromise our comfort or our safety.
What steps will you take to keep your household safe from electricity-related harm? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @MassGov.
Tags: electrical fire, electrical safety, electricity, Fire safety, home electrocution, safety, safety tips
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Pingback: Five Tips for Home Electrical Safety | Massachusetts NewsMassachusetts News
Stay clear appliances, portable electrical tools, table or floor lamps, etc, that are not listed by Underwriter Label (UL). Beware of ads stating a device is "UL Approved" as UL is a testing organization, and only lists items that meet their standards.
Another warning sign to look out for with older style ceramic fuses on home switchboards: [link removed so as to not imply endorsement]
Very dangerous fire hazard!
Thank you for sharing this tips.
Thank you for sharing this tips.
hello, mass.gov staff
Tips for Home Electrical Safety
Regularly check your electric equipment for reduces and smashes in their cables. Err on the side of warning and substitute any equipment that has a bad cable, overheats, bermuda out or gives off smoking or initiates. In addition, if a cable has 3-prongs, don’t eliminate the extra prong. The third prong is necessary to floor the equipment to avoid electric bumps.
Ensure your home is prepared with GFCI (Ground Mistake Routine Interrupter) sites near any areas that are close to h2o such as your kitchen, washrooms, washing laundry room, the garage area or outdoor tour. A GFCI store will instantly detach power when a connected in electric equipment comes in contact with h2o or starts to “leak” power. These types of sites can secure you and your family from critical electric bumps.
Examine your electric cables regularly and eliminate any which are frazzled or do not fit well into an store. Never secure a cable in place with basics and avoid heating up by not running them under furniture or carpet, behind base board or near wall heating.
Never excess electrical cables or wall electrical sockets with too many equipment. If you need more electric sites, have them set up. It’s worth the money to have it done properly and to rule.
Hello Friends..Thanks for electrical safety tips.I have read your blog for electrical safety.These tips are really amazing. I appreciate it for sharing them…..
Electrical sockets are very dangerous! To avoid objects or tiny fingers ( Children fingers :-D) getting into them you should use socket covers. Just a tip!