According to the report, in 2007, electrical failure or malfunction was a factor contributing to ignition in an estimated 51,800 reported home structure fires. Of the 2003-2007 home electrical fires, 46 percent involved some type of electrical distribution or lighting equipment. Other leading types of equipment involved in the ignition of electrical fires were washers and dryers, fans, air conditioning equipment, space heaters, water heaters, and ranges.
NFPA offers the following safety tips on electrical safety:
- Work on home electrical distribution or lighting equipment should only be conducted by someone qualified as an electrician.
- When buying, selling, or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a professional electrician.
- Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, including lamp shades, furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, and flammable or combustible gases and liquids.
- Major appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, etc., should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
- Replace cracked, damaged, and loose electrical cords.
- Extension cords are for temporary use only. Have a licensed electrician determine if additional circuits or outlets are needed.
- Consider having a qualified electrician install arc fault circuit interrupters in your home. This is a type of circuit breaker that shuts off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs.
NFPA: Electrical Safety Awareness
To access the report, Home Electrical Fires, go to:
NFPA: Home Electrical Fires
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