As a Fire Fighter and a Master Electrician I am concerned with the number of fires
attributed to electrical causes. Often these fires occur due to unsafe practices or
circumventing the safety features installed on circuits or appliances. The Homeowner can
prevent most electrical fires by taking a few minutes of their day and following some safe
common sense practices with electricity. The following is just some of the tips we the
homeowner should look at and practice.
Extension cords are in use in most homes. These cords are made from wiring that is
smaller than what has been installed in your home for receptacles. Therefore they are not
designed to carry the same amount load and heat up quicker and overload easier under heavy
loads such as electric skillets, toaster and toaster ovens, deep fryers, and coffee
makers. Try to use extension cords only for
temporary use and take the time to check the amperage use (indicated as A or AMPS)
on the appliance or tool you plan to use the cord with and insure that the cord is rated
for that amperage. Underwriters Laboratory- UL list the amperage rating on all
appliances and extension cords, so look closely for this symbol. Do not hide extension
cords under rugs, furniture, or in high traffic areas of the home. Discard cords that have
became frayed, cracked insulation, or have damaged plugs. Try to use a three prong
grounded plug for power tools.
With the use of Home Computers becoming more popular homeowners protect this
investment with circuit protected power strips. With the large number of connections
recommendations have been made to separate this number into two power strips’ instead
of one to prevent overload. Contact the computer store or manufacturer for their
recommendation.
Watch electric baseboard and space heaters. Insure that you follow recommendations
of the manufacture for there use around combustible materials. Always unplug space heaters
and appliances after use to prevent them from being accidentally turned back on or left
on.
If you have noticed lately that plugs on our appliances have gotten larger on the
end. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are being installed on our appliances such
as hair dryers, electric skillets and such items. These devices monitor the flow of
electricity and if an imbalance occurs the GFCI will stop the electricity to avoid danger
to the user. These devices are a good protection from electrocution when appliances are
use in and around wet areas of the home such as the kitchen, bathroom, basement, or
garage. If you do not have GFCI receptacles in these areas you should take the time to
have them installed in your home. It may prevent you from losing your life one day!!
The above are just a few of the many tips that can be found on electricity and its
safe use. For more information visit your local fire department, insurance agent, or Power
Company and they can provide you with more safety tips in home safety and electricity.
Electrical safety and the prevention of fire are common sense approaches in prevention and
practices.
Captain S.
W. Broyles
Princeton
Fire Fighters Local 466