"Plug
Into Electrical Safety"
CPSC
Contact: Mark Ross or Ken Giles (301) 504-0580 May 25, 2000
"Plug Into Electrical Safety"
More
Than 41,000 Electrical-Related House Fires,
350 Deaths Occur Each Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Safety
Foundation (NESF) are urging consumers to look for and correct electrical
safety hazards in their homes. Each year, incidents involving electrical
equipment, such as extension cords, outlets and light bulbs, result
in more than 41,000 residential fires that claim about 350 lives
and cause over 1,400 injuries. These fires also cause more than
$620 million in property damage annually.
"Many of these electrical-related
incidents are preventable," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "The
simple act of removing electrical cords from under rugs could help
prevent many house fires. If every household installed ground fault
circuit interrupters (GFCIs), deaths from electrocution in and around
the home could be reduced by one-half. I urge consumers to look
around their homes and correct electrical hazards."
Consumers can help protect themselves
from electrical hazards by taking a few minutes to check their homes
for unsafe conditions.
*
Make sure cords are in good condition. A frayed or cracked cord
could cause a shock or fire. Replace old and damaged extension cords
with new ones having the certification label of an independent testing
laboratory on the cord.
*
Check to see that extension cords are not overloaded, as indicated
by the ratings labeled on the cord and the appliance. Overloaded
extension cords can cause fires. Change the cord to a higher rated
one or unplug some appliances, and remember that extension cords
should only be used on a temporary basis and are not intended as
permanent household wiring.
*
To reduce the risks of electric shock, make sure that GFCI protection
is provided for outlets at kitchen counters, in bathrooms, and at
outdoor receptacles. Test GFCIs monthly to make sure they are working
properly.
*
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures and lamps to make
sure they are the correct wattage. Replace bulbs that have a higher
wattage than recommended to prevent overheating that could lead
to a fire.
*
Check to see that fuses are the correct size for the circuit. Replacing
a correct size fuse with a larger size fuse can present a serious
fire hazard.
*
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker,
or has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
*
Check to see if outlets and switches are unusually warm or hot to
the touch. If so, an unsafe wiring condition could exist. Do not
use the outlet or switch and have a qualified electrician check
the wiring as soon as possible.
These safety tips, along with many
more, are published in the pamphlet entitled A Home Electrical
Safety Check. To receive a free pamphlet, go to NESF's
web site at www.nesf.org, or consumers
can send a 55 cent stamped, self-addressed envelope to NESF, 1300
North 17th Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, Va. 22209. NESF
is a non-profit organization, which was formed in 1994 with the
belief that, through its efforts, electrical-related incidents can
be prevented and lives saved.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call
CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or visit CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html.
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