Electrical Wiring Safety for Your Home

8/19/2016 (Permalink)

If you've never inspected your home's electrical wiring now is the time. Over 25,000 electrical fires are reported annually in the United States, resulting in death or injury to more than 1,300 people, according to the U.S Fire Administration (https.usfa.fema.gov/). Home electrical fires result in greater dollar loss per fire than nonelectrical fires. Even more startling: almost all those fires could have been prevented by taking a few simple steps, including:

Electrical Inspection-

If you have an older home hire a highly rated electrician to inspect wiring. Electrical wiring is not meant to last forever, so if your home is a century old, it's overdue to be reviewed. This is especially true if your home has aluminum wiring, which is more fire prone than copper wiring. According to the Copper Development Association, all modern homes should have 12 American Wire Gauge (AWG) solid copper wiring installed to meet the demands of today's appliances. If your home has the thinner 14-AWG, hire reputable appropriately trained and licensed electrician to inspect and make recommendations. 

Electrical plug and electrical cord damage-

Faulty wiring is one of the main causes of electrical fires. If you find anything that's frayed, tattered or worn out, replace it with new wiring. Cords in poor condition can overheat or cause sparks and start a fire. For appliances, you can usually buy replacement cords.

Overburdened electrical outlet-

Overloading is a common cause or electrical fires. This happens when you plug too many appliances into the same outlet, extension cord or power strip.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends buying power strips equipped with internal overload protection. This feature ensues that a strip shuts off as soon as it becomes overloaded. 

Keep flammable materials away-

Portable electric space heaters are especially dangerous, but don't overlook irons, hair dryers or irons, and even lamps. Any electrical appliance can start a fire if it makes contact with flammable materials, including blankets, towels and rugs. Don't hide cables especially extension cords, under rugs or carpets. If overheated, they can easily start a fire.

Electrical short and electrical wiring problems

Unless it's something as simple as replacing a cord, fixing shorts and faulty wiring requires the expertise of an electrician. Signs of faulty wiring include flickering lamps, plugs that spark when you plug something in breakers that constantly trip, and "buzzing" outlets. All these can quickly cause a fire. 

Be sure to replace or eliminate any wire, connection, extension cord or fuse box that feels warm; warmth in these usually indicates a faulty or unsafe wiring connection It can also mean that too much current is running through the circuits, which could cause an overload and result in fire. 

In the event of an electrical Fire our franchise professionals here SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost. Our Fire Damage Restoration Process includes Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment, immediate board up and roof tarping if necessary. If in fact there is water damage from the fire we will extract and dry. Removal of Smoke and soot from all surfaces, cleaning and repair if needed. And finally restoration of your home or business.