Home Electrical Safety
Electrical problems cause tens of thousands of home fires every year, plus shocks and electrocutions. Many warning signs are easy to spot.
- Homeowners
- Renters
Warning signs: call an electrician
- Outlets or switch plates that are warm, discolored or sparking
- A burning or hot plastic smell
- Lights that flicker or dim often
- Breakers that trip or fuses that blow repeatedly
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
- Mild shocks or tingles from appliances or fixtures
- Old wiring: knob-and-tube, ungrounded two-prong outlets, aluminum branch wiring
Protection devices
- GFCI outlets prevent electrocution. They belong in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, garages, basements, outdoors and near any water. Test them monthly. See GFCI Protection.
- AFCI breakers detect dangerous arcing that can start fires, and are required in many rooms in newer homes.
- Tamper-resistant outlets protect young children.
Everyday habits
- Use extension cords only temporarily, and never run them under rugs or through doorways.
- Plug space heaters and other high-power appliances directly into the wall, not into power strips.
- Use the right bulb wattage for each fixture.
- Replace damaged cords and plugs.
- Know where your electrical panel is, and keep the space in front of it clear.
- Don’t overload outlets or “daisy-chain” power strips.
- Don’t do electrical work without turning off the breaker and testing that power is off.
- Don’t touch electrical equipment or panels if you’re wet or standing in water.
Standards & references
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