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ELECTRICAL
FIRE SAFETY
Shocking Facts
EACH
YEAR IN North America, hundreds of people die and thousands more are
injured in accidents involving electrical fires or shocks. Most of these
incidents can be prevented by following simple electrical-safety rules.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
* If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker
is tripped, don't just replace or reset it. Find out what caused the
circuit to overload and correct the problem.
* Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker
with one that exceeds the amperage rating for a given circuit.
* Avoid using several high-amperage appliances
- such as irons or other heat-producing appliances - on the same circuit.
* Never replace a fuse with a penny or
any other material that conducts electricity.
GFCI
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, an electronic device
that constantly monitors the amount of current flowing through a circuit
and cuts off the electricity at the first sign of an imbalance. Because
GFCI's respond to excessive amperage demands faster than fuses or circuit
breakers can, they protect you from prolonged electrical shocks by interrupting
the current flow before a healthy person can be seriously injured. Inexpensive
GFCI's can be hard-wired into your home's electrical service, installed
or plugged in at outlets, or built into extension cords. Test and reset
GFCI's monthly to ensure they are working properly.
Electrical Outlets
* Have a professional electrician replace
old or damaged outlets with modern, three-wired, polarized receptacles.
Proper grounding is essential to minimize fire and shock hazards.
* Plugs should match outlets. Three-pronged
plugs require three-wired receptacles or a properly grounded adapter.
Polarized plugs (now standard), with one prong wider than the other,
require polarized receptacles.
* Never cut off or bend the ground pin
of a three-pronged plug. This ground connection protects you from severe
shock caused by a faulty cord or malfunctioning appliance.
* Never alter the wide prong of a polarized
plug to make it fit into an outdated outlet. Have the outlet replaced
and properly grounded.
* Protect children from electrical shock
by installing plastic safety inserts in unused outlets.
Appliances
* All household appliances should bear
the label of an independent testing laboratory, indicating that they
meet basic safety standards.
* Keep heat-producing appliances, such
as electric space heaters, electric ranges, and irons at least three
feet (one meter) away from furniture, curtains, bedding, or anything
that will burn.
* Allow plenty of air space around televisions,
computers, and stereos to prevent overheating.
* Keep electrical cords away from heat-producing
appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers.
* Be
sure that detachable appliance cords, such as those used with coffee
makers, deep-fat fryers, and popcorn poppers are rated for the electrical-load
requirements of the appliance.
Electrical Cords
* Keep electrical cords out of traffic
paths and away from areas where children play.
* Maintain
all electrical cords. Replace any cord that is cracked, frayed, or otherwise
damaged.
* Never pinch an electrical cord against
walls or furniture.
* Do not run extension cords under carpets
or across doorways.
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Outdoor Power
* Use only weatherproof fixtures
and GFCI outlets with weatherproof covers for outdoor installations.
* Never run outdoor extension cords across
lawns for seasonal lighting displays or run any extension cord across
driveways or traffic areas.
* Never use electrical appliances outdoors
in wet weather or when the ground or grass is wet, unless the appliance
is specifically designed and labeled by an independent testing lab
for such use.
* Appliances used outdoors should be
plugged into receptacles protected by ground fault circuit interrupters
Lighting
* Place lamps on level, uncluttered surfaces
and be sure that lampshades are secure enough to protect the bulb
from breaking if the lamp is knocked over.
* Light bulbs should not exceed the wattage
recommended for a lamp or fixture.
Power Lines
* Report downed power lines and mark
the area to warn others.
* Never go near or touch a power line.
Doing so can result in a fatal shock or severe injury.
* Keep ladders, especially metal ones,
away from power lines. This includes overhead electrical service to
your home.
Warning Signs
You can spot many electrical problems before they cause a fire
or shock. Be alert to the following danger signs:
* Recurring problems with blowing fuses
or tripping circuit breakers.
* Feeling a tingle when you touch an
electrical seasonal light.
* Discoloration
of wall outlets.
* A burning smell or unusual odor coming
from an appliance or wiring.
* Sizzling sound at wall switches or
outlets.
* Flickering lights. If you cannot locate
a problem inside your home, call your power company or an electrician
immediately to inspect the electrical connection to your home at your
electric meter. (Outdoor meters are extremely vulnerable to weather
damage.)
When you spot
a warning sign, don't wait for an accident. Take action at once. Unplug
a malfunctioning appliance if you can do so safely. If necessary, cut
off power to the problem circuit by disconnecting the fuse or tripping
the circuit breaker manually. Call a professional electrician to
correct the problem.
People Protecting
People Since 1896
© National
Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101
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