How To Avoid Electrical Fires

Thursday, March 1, 2018

(NAPS)—Here’s newsthat may spark your interest: According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical fail- ures or malfunctionsare factors in some 43,000 homefires a year. Your home, however, can beprotected. Here, from the experts at Electrical Safety Foundation International, the premier nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to promotingelectrical safety at home and in the workplace,are tips on how: Have your home inspected by a licensed electrician every 10 years; sooner Withproperprecautions, most electricalfires can be avoided. its undergone a major renovation orif home,but using them improperly can In between,check outthis checklist. Switches and Outlets + Extension cords should be used only ona temporary basis. if your homeis 40 years old orolder, if you've added major new appliances lately. + Are they working? + Doplugsfit snugly? If so, they should befine for now. + Do they make crackling, buzzing or sizzling sounds? + Are they warm tothe touch? ‘These can besigns of fire in the wall. Have an electrician check it out right away. Electrical Panel Every homehasa service panel that distributeselectricity to your home.It’s usually in the basement, garageorutility area, Service panels havefuses orcircuit breakersthat keep wires from overload- ingandcausinga fire. Make sure all circuit breakers and fuses are the propersize. + Replacestandard circuit breakers with be dangerous. + Makesure extension cords are prop- erly rated for their intended use, indooror outdoor, and meetor exceed the power needsof the appliance or device being used. Inspect cordsforcracked,frayed, loose orbarewires, and loose connections. + Neverusea cord thatfeels hot. +Dont run extension cords through walls or ceilings. This may cause the cordto overheat,creating a seriousfire hazard. + Don'tnail or staple electrical cords to wallsor baseboards. *Make sure cords are not pinched in doors, windows or under heavy furniture, which could damagetheinsulation. + Keep extension cordsoutof high-traf- theleading causeofelectrical fires. An fic areas such as doorways or walkways. Insert plugs fully so no part of the prongs is exposed whenthe extension heatedorstressed electrical wiring or + Ensure that all extension cords are of home fires. Without AFCIs, arc testing laboratory such as UL, CSA or arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). Damagedor malfunctioning wiringis arc fault is caused by damaged,over- devices. AFCIs can prevent 50 percent faults may be hidden untilit’s toolate. Extension Cords Extension cords are a convenient way to provide powerright where you need it when working in oraround your cordis in use. certified by a nationally recognized ETL, andalways read the manufactur- er’sinstructions. Learn More Forfurther facts andtips on safety, visit www.esfi.org.

--- PHOTOS ---

File: 20190801-114011-20190801-114009-86250.pdf.jpg

--- FILES ---

File: 20190801-114009-86250.pdf