Tips & Advice from Professional Rochester Electricians
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, there are more than 451,000 residential fires every year. Over one-third of them--that's more than 150,000 fires--result from electrical system problems. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) says home electrical problems cause over 400 deaths and $610 million in property losses in a typical year.
Unlimited Electric shares some important safety tips and information on how you can avoid dangerous electrical situations, protect your property, and keep your family safe.
Facts about Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are commonly caused by faulty and old wiring. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.
Misusing extension cords, such as running the cords under rugs or through traffic areas, overloading circuits, and poor maintenance are other common causes of electrical fires. Home electrical wiring problems cause twice as many fires as faulty electrical appliances.
Most electrical fires start in the bedroom. It is important to regularly check your wiring and outlets for any problems.
December is the worst month for home electrical fires; holiday lights and decorations are a huge risk factor.
So, what can you do to keep your family safe?
- Have an older home? Hire a licensed and competent Rochester electrician to update the wiring in your house.
- Don't misuse extension cords—never run the cords under rugs or where they can be stepped on, crushed, or pulled.
- Don't overload outlets. If you don't have sufficient outlets where you need them, hire an electrician to add more.
- Circuits and poor maintenance are common causes of electrical fires. Have your home's wiring checked out to make sure you're not overloading circuits.
- Unplug electric appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when you're not using them.
- Take care with holiday decorations to avoid causing dangerous situations like overloaded circuits.
For more information on electrical safety, contact our team at Unlimited Electrical.