Electrical Fire Safety

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Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffeemaker. Charging a laptop computer. These activities are second nature for most of us. Electrical appliances and devices make our lives easier. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind.

Electrical Safety Tips

  • Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
  • When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified electrician
  • Only plus one heat-producing appliance (such as coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) inot a receptacle outlet at a time.
  • Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
  • Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are a kind of circuit breaker that shuts off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home. Use a qualified electrician.
  • Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
  • Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month to make sure they are working properly.
  • Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don't have to use extension cords.
  • Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. There should be a sticker that indicates the maximum wattage light bulb to use.

Be Fire-Safe with Electricity

You do not need a flame to start a fire. Fires can start when heat builds up near things that burn. This can happen when a hot light bulb is near things that burn, such as cloth or paper, or when a damaged cord is placed under a carpet.

  • Keep things that burn, like scarves or other clothes, off lamps.
  • Keep curtains away from light bulbs. Bulbs can get hot and start fire.
  • Heavy things placed on top of a cord can wear out the cord and cause a fire
  • Keep cords from under carpets where people walk on them. They can wear out and cause fire.
  • Use a light bulb with the right number of watts
  • Use this electrical safety check list: Electrical Safety Checklist(PDF, 631KB) - NFPA (PDF)

Think Green! Turn off lights when you are not in the room. Unplug appliances when not in use.

*Sources: National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)

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