Electrical Fires

Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 700 Americans each year and injure 3,000 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.

During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 90,000 fires, over 700 deaths, and $700 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.  A thorough inspection of your electrical service equipment should be performed by a qualified Licensed Electrician if your home is more than 25 years old. 

NOTE: Do not confuse a home inspection company such like the ones that usually perform a pre-sale inspection before closing a home sale with a qualified Licensed Electrician. 

Home inspection companies are not intended for this purpose and their terms of service and inspection guidelines specifically spell this out.

December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. The new National Electric Code 2002 (NEC) code revisions mandate that all newly installed smoke detectors be "Hard Wired" into your home's electrical system. This should only be performed by a qualified Licensed Electrician. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.  

Electrical Wiring

Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets, old wiring and improper "do-it-yourself wiring" performed by an unqualified individual. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.

In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.

Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

Home Appliances

The home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are heat generating appliances such as electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units. 

Safety Precautions

Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.

Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.

Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.

When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.

Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.

Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters and halogen floor lamps.

If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never cut the ground prong off, use a three-to-two prong adapter or force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.

Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

Always have electrical work done by a qualified electrician who is properly Licensed and adequately insured.

For more information contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Content provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA)