Electrical Safety in the Home – Bluebell Engineering

By Adminbluebell July 16, 2024

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

Statistics

In 2020 – 2024 local fire departments responded to an estimated annual average 46,652 home structure fires where either an electrical failure or malfunction was reported as a factor contributing to ignition or the equipment reported to be involved in ignition was classified as electrical distribution, lighting or power transfer equipment.

Home structure fires involving an electrical failure or malfunction or electrical equipment involved in ignition cause an estimated annual average 527 civilian deaths, 1,580 civilian injuries, and an estimated $2.4 billion in direct property damage each year in 2020 – 2024.

Home electrical fires accounted for approximately 13% of all home structure fires and 18% of all home structure fires deaths each year. The direct property damage caused by these fires accounted for approximately 15% of all home structure fires.

Home electrical fires most often occurred in a kitchen or cooking area (15% of the total), bedroom (12%), or attic or ceiling (9%).

Source: NFPA Research

Safety Tips

Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.

When buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.

Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.

Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly in a wall receptacle outlet. Extensions cords and plug strips should not be used.

Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.

Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:
- Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
- A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
- Discolored or warm wall outlets.
- A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.
- Flickering or dimming lights.
- Sparks from an outlet.

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