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Home » Consumer Information » Occupational Safety » Firefighters

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are one of the most common causes of death in the home, accounting for approximately 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses a year in the U.S. However, most electrical fires are preventable through proper maintenance of wiring and domestic appliances.

Causes of electrical fires include the following:

  • Faulty electrical outlets and old wiring.
  • Damaged extension and appliance cords and plugs.
  • Misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits and running cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.
  • Electrical appliances, such as electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions and radios.
  • Build up of dust trash and spider webs.
  • Unprotected light bulbs in work areas.
  • Electrical wiring hit when drilling holes or driving nails into walls.

The following safety precautions should be observed in order to prevent electrical fires:

  • Routinely check appliances and wiring.
  • Replace worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
  • Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs and doorways or high traffic areas.
  • Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters.
  • Only buy appliances that meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
  • Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances.
  • Keep clothes, curtains and potentially combustible items at least three feet from heaters.
  • Never force a three-prong plug into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
  • Never overload wall sockets.
  • Immediately shut off and professionally replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
  • Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
  • Protect all circuits with a fuse or circuit breaker.
  • Replace any tool that causes small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
  • Never use water to put out an electrical fire. If the fire is small, use a CO2 fire extinguisher.