Prevent Electrical Fires

Many electrical fires start when a combustible (burnable) material comes into contact with a hot electrical appliance, like a stove burner, portable heater or light bulb.

Electrical fires can also start when combustibles come into contact with frayed or broken electrical cords or when wires inside the house or inside an electrical cord overheat. Overheating can occur when too many appliances are plugged into one outlet or one extension cord. The wires inside your home and inside extension cords are designed to carry a certain amount of current. If you plug in too many appliances, or plug in an appliance that requires more current than a wire is designed to carry, the wire can overheat and cause a fire.

1.	Protect electrical cords from damage by avoiding twisting or severely bending them. Also, keep cords away from heat sources—such as stoves, light bulbs and open fires—that might damage the cord's insulation.
2.	Never use an appliance if its cord insulation is damaged. A fire could start if paper or another combustible material should come into contact with the exposed wire. (You could also be injured if you should touch the damaged wire. See Preventing Electrical Shocks and Burns.)
3.	Never run electrical cords underneath rugs. They can become frayed from being walked on or might simply overheat.
4.	Do not plug too many appliances into one outlet or extension cord.
5.	If you are having a problem with blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, find out why. These are indications that you have an overloaded circuit and might be at risk for an electrical fire.
6.	Never replace a blown fuse with one of a higher amperage rating. You circuits are designed to handle a specific amount of current. Increasing a fuse amperage in an attempt to increase the load a circuit will carry is a guaranteed ticket to disaster. Never ever use a penny or other metal object as a replacement for a fuse.
7.	If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is designed to carry as much current as the appliance needs. Appliances that draw a lot of power need a heavy gauge extension cord.
8.	When operating outdoor electrical appliances or equipment, be sure to use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use.
9.	Keep curtains, towels, furniture, paper and other combustible materials away from electrical appliances—including stoves, ovens, toasters, portable heaters and light bulbs—that generate a lot of heat.
10.	Keep electrical equipment and tools in good, clean condition. Oil and dirt buildup can cause equipment to overheat.