Follow rules to avoid electrical fires

Annually, an estimated 28,300 residential building electrical fires cause 360 deaths, 1,000 injuries, and $995 million in direct loss across the country. Of those, 22 percent of residential building electrical fires occur during December and January.

When we think about electricity, we think about electric current, the power running along wires in our home and generates heat as it travels. The electrical current is like water running through a hose. The size of the cord can carry only so much electricity before it starts to overheat. The insulation on home wiring, fuses and other parts of the electrical system, are all designed to carry a certain amount of electricity safely. The more electricity you draw along a cord, the more quickly it heats up. For instance, an appliance like a space heater can draw a lot of current and needs to be plugged in with a properly designed cord.

Residents demand higher levels of electrical energy to power their homes and appliances than they did in the past, and new homes are built to meet this demand for multiple televisions, phones, hair dryers, microwaves, washers and dryers, etc. As the consumers’ electrical demands increase, so does their expectation that their homes will supply adequate power to meet these demands. They meet their needs by adding more circuitry (and circuit breakers in blank spots on the breaker panel, or even another circuit breaker box) and outlets to accommodate their purchases. If an outlet is added to an existing circuit, then the load easily can be more than the wiring originally was designed to conduct — perhaps decades ago.

What these consumers really do is create unseen hazards in their homes. Inside the walls, wiring is heating and damaging its own insulation, wood frames are being charred by high-wattage light bulbs too close to ceilings, and fixture wattage ratings are being exceeded. But as long as the lights come on and the appliances start, many consumer remains unaware of the danger — until a fire starts.

Extension cords

The plugs on cords are the places where heat builds up and the more cords you connect together, the more trouble spots you have. The connection between an extension cord and an appliance cord does not have the same safety features (like fuses or circuit breakers) as those that are built into a wall socket. That is why extension cords are for temporary use only.

Call the fire department immediately if you have any of these warning signs:

• Arcs, sparks or short circuits

• Sizzling or buzzing sound

• Odors, vague smell of something burning

Firefighters can use thermal imaging technology to see excessive heat inside the walls without damaging them, so never allow this concern stop you from calling 911.

You should look around for these hazards in your home and correct them:

• Cords pinched behind furniture like couches or bureaus.

• Overloaded outlets — more than one appliance cord plugged into one wall outlet.

• Overloaded powerstrips. They should only be used with a few low current devices such as small electronics.

• Lamps or fixtures with light bulbs higher than the recommended wattage. Most lamps recommend 60 watts. Be careful where you use higher wattage light bulbs.

• Electrical cords underneath rugs, carpet or furniture. Move them to reduce the risk of fire from overheating due to worn insulation.

• Cords with frayed wires or cracked insulation. Replace them with new ones having a certification label from an independent testing laboratory (such as UL).

• An extension cord that is not properly rated for the appliance it powers. Typical “lamp cord” extension cords cannot carry the electrical current needed for appliances such as space heaters or air conditioners.

• Cords or wires that are nailed into place. This can cause electrical shorts and arcing.

• Indoor appliances and cords being used outdoors.

Electrical wiring, like all other systems, needs maintenance and inspection. Have your electrical system examined by a licensed electrician every 10 years. All electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician who obtains a permit when required. The permit process protects homeowners by requiring that an inspector check that the work is done correctly.

Preventing electrocutions and shocks

• Read and follow instructions and safety tips provided with electrical appliances and equipment.

• Install plastic safety covers in unused receptacles to protect children from shock hazard.

• When unplugging a cord or appliance from an outlet, pull the plug not the cord. Pulling by the cord can cause damage to the wiring at the connection.

• Do not defeat polarized plugs (one prong larger than the other) or the third or ground prong.

• Keep electrical appliances and cords away from water. Keep yourself alive by keeping water and electricity separate.

Your questions are invited at hartley@myopinionmatters.org. They may even get answered in this newspaper. Christian M. Hartley is the Public Information Officer for the Houston Fire Department.