Accidents can occur even with the utmost caution, hence the term “accidents” rather than “intentionals.” Nonetheless, the frequency of home electrical fires during electrical repairs is staggering.
It’s a sobering reality: despite electricity’s indispensable role in American life, it was implicated in nearly 48,000 home fires from 2007 to 2011, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These incidents resulted in 1,518 injuries, 455 fatalities, and approximately $1.5 billion in property damage.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that electricity itself isn’t inherently dangerous. Instead, it’s often the lack of knowledge about electrical repairs, improper techniques, and negligence that lead to electrical mishaps. Electricity is safe when handled with proper care, caution, and common sense.
Consider these statistics from the NFPA:
- Sixty-three percent of all home electrical fires are attributed to wiring, with 20 percent linked to lamps, light fixtures, or light bulbs, 11 percent to extension cords, and 6 percent to power transformers. Except for the latter, these are common household devices. The cause could be either repair attempts or misuse.
- Fires traced to wiring often involve outlets, receptacles, electrical branch circuits, and main electrical panels or fuse boxes.
- A smaller portion of fires, under 10 percent each, involve air conditioning equipment, fans, space heaters, and washers or dryers.
- In nearly 80 percent of home electrical fires, the fire extends beyond the ignition point, emphasizing the importance of having a fire extinguisher nearby during DIY electrical repairs.
- Nearly half of all fatal home electrical fires originate in the bedroom, family room, or living room.
Preventative Measures: Whether you’re performing DIY electrical repairs or not, accidents and fires can still occur. The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends the use of:
- Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which promptly respond to fire hazards by automatically shutting off power.
- Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which shut off electrical current upon detecting unintended paths, such as through a person or water.
- Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs), designed to prevent objects, especially children, from being inserted into them.
We hope this information underscores the importance of safety during electrical repairs. For any electrical needs in the Chico area, feel free to contact Experts In Your Home. We’re always available to address your concerns and prioritize the safety of you and your family.