Electrical Fire Safety

Fire Prevention Week

2012

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 What is Fire Prevention Week?
• Fire Prevention Week is observed each
October to raise awareness of fire safety
• Sponsored by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA)
• ESFI focuses on electrical safety while
supporting NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week
activities and messages

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Who is ESFI?
• The premier non-profit organization dedicated
exclusively to promoting electrical safety
through education, awareness, and advocacy
• Founded in 1994 as a cooperative effort by the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC)

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Why is Fire Safety Important?
• Fires happen every day and the toll they take on our lives
is boundless
• Every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire
• Every 65 seconds, a fire occurs in a structure, and every
85 seconds, a residential fire strikes
• A fire claims a civilian life every 2 hours and 49 minutes
and results in a civilian injury every 30 minutes
• 62% of home fire deaths occur in homes with either no
smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Why Focus on Electrical Fire Safety?
• Electrical failure or malfunction is a leading
cause of home fires year after year
• Many home electrical fires can be prevented
simply by understanding basic electrical safety
principles and following safe practices

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Types of Fire Safety Strategies
Prevention Strategies
• Protect you home and family by taking steps
to prevent fires
Preparation Strategies
• Prepare your home and family for a fire before
one happens
Knowledge and planning are the keys to
keeping your family safe from fire!
Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org
 Preventing Electrical Fires
• Understand the basics of your electrical system
• Install advanced electrical safety technologies
• Properly maintain your electrical system and
components
• Identify and correct potential electrical hazards

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Your Home Electrical System
• Power Lines (above or below ground)
• Electric Meter
• Electrical Service Panel
– Fuses
– Circuit Breakers

• Wiring System
– Knob & Tube Wiring
– Aluminum Wiring
– Grounded Electrical System

• Outlets, Switches and Appliances

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org
 Electrical System Safety Tips
• Safety should always be the main concern for
working on or around electricity
• ESFI recommends that a qualified, licensed
electrician perform all home electrical work
• Electrical work must comply with codes and
standards

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Advanced Electrical Safety Technologies

• Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

(AFCIs)

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

• Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs)

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Electrical System Maintenance
• Test safety devices monthly
– GFCIs
– AFCIs
– Smoke Alarms
• Make sure electrical panel circuits are properly
labeled
• Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the
correct size and amperage
• Keep electrical panel accessible
Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org
 Electrical System Maintenance
• Electrical System Inspections
– ESFI recommends that you have an electrical
system inspection conducted if:
• Your home is 40 years old or older
• You purchase a previously-owned home
• Your home has undergone a major renovation
• You have added major new appliances in the last 10
years

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Identifying Electrical Hazards
• Protect your family from fire and other
electrical hazards by identifying potential
electrical hazards and correcting them before a
more serious situation can result
• Regularly check the following electrical
devices for warning signs or damage:
– Lamp, appliance and extension cords
– Wall switches and outlets

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Identifying Electrical Hazards
– Countertop appliances and small electrical products
(toaster, coffee maker, hair dryer)
– Large appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer)
– GFCIs and TRRs
– Portable heaters
– Light bulbs
– Smoke alarms
– Electrical service panel (fuses, circuit breakers)

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Fire Safety Preparations
• Install smoke alarms according to current
recommendations
• Test smoke alarms every month
• Prepare a fire escape plan
• Have two ways out of each room
• Practice your fire escape plan with fire drills

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org

 Additional Resources
• Visit www.electrical-safety.org for access to all
of ESFI’s free electrical and fire safety
resources.

Electrical Safety Foundation International

(703) 841-3229
info@esfi.org

Electrical Safety Foundation International www.electrical-safety.org