Home Safety

Home Electrical Safety: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many home fires does electricity cause?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an average of 31,647 home fires every year between 2011 and 2023 caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment. These fires caused an estimated average of 425 deaths, 1,279 injuries, and $1.6 billion in direct property loss.

How can I prevent a home electrical fire?

Avoid overloading electrical outlets, know the signs of an electrical overload, never use devices with damaged wires, and install arc-fault circuit interrupters.

What are the signs of an overloaded outlet?

If your lights start to flicker or dim; smell burning, see discolored switches or feel warm outlets, these could be signs of a serious wiring problem. If you get a mild shock or tingle from an appliance or switch, it could be a sign of a device failing.

How do I prevent electrical overloads?

Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances. All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time. A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have a qualified electrician inspect your home and add new outlets.

What is an Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)?

An Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is a special type of outlet and/or breaker that detects arc-faults in wiring or circuits and stops them before they cause a fire. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrical fires could be prevented with proper AFCI protection. As of the 2023 National Electrical Code, AFCIs are required in many areas in the home. Make sure you test your AFCI monthly.

How can I prevent electrical shocks?

You can prevent electric shocks by ensuring all your home outlets are properly grounded (have 3 prongs), ensuring you only use extension cords temporarily, inspecting all electrical wiring and devices before use, and ensuring you have proper ground fault protection in areas where water and electricity could come in contact.

Why do my outlets say “test” and “reset” on them?

Outlets with test and reset buttons are either an AFCI, GFCI, or a combination of both. These special outlets either protect against fires or electric shock in areas where water and electricity can come in contact. It is important to test these outlets monthly. You can do this by plugging in a nightlight, or any other small device that emits light, and pressing the “test” button. If the device turns off, the outlet is working correctly. Pressing “reset” should turn the device back on. If the device does not turn off when pressing the “test” button, or on when pressing the “reset” button, the outlet should be replaced.

How do I test my AFCI or GFCI outlet?

It is important to test these outlets monthly. You can do this by plugging in a nightlight, or any other small device that emits light, and pressing the “test” button. If the device turns off, the outlet is working correctly. Pressing “reset” should turn the device back on. If the device does not turn off when pressing the “test” button, or on when pressing the “reset” button, the outlet should be replaced.

What is a GFCI?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) quickly shuts off electricity when a ground-fault is detected. Since the introduction of GFCIs, there has been an 80% drop in the number of electrocutions, and a 93% drop in the amount of consumer product electrocutions.

What is a power surge?

A power surge, or transients, are brief overvoltage spikes or disturbances of a power waveform that can damage, degrade, or destroy electronic equipment.

How can I protect against power surges?

Surge Protective Devices can protect against power surges. Since the 2020 National Electrical Code whole home surge protectors have been required in homes. Type one and type two surge protective devices can protect your whole home while type three protect items plugged directly into the surge protector.

Is it safe to use a high-wattage device or appliance with an extension cord?

It is important to know what the extension cord you are using can handle. The gauge and length of the extension cord determines the amperage limits of the extension cords.

How do I use extension cords safely?

Be sure to never plug two or more extension cords together. Ensure the extension cord you are using is for the correct type of situation, only use an outdoor extension cord for outdoor settings. Make sure your extension cord has been properly listed and certified to be safe, this is usually marked by a UL or CSA logo. Always inspect the cord for damage before using and always use proper GFCI protection when using an extension cord outdoors or anywhere where water and electricity can mix.

How can I use a space heater safely?

Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully and inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If you see frayed, worn or damaged wiring.

Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.  Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.

Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.  Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use. Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory like UL or CSA.

What do I need to know about electric blankets?

Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip, as they could overheat and cause a fire Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots or electrical cords that are cracked or frayed. Replace any worn or old heating pads or electric blankets. Never fold electric blankets when in use. Folded or tucked-in electric blankets could overheat and cause a fire. When purchasing electronics, including electric blankets, be sure to only purchase from reputable retailers. Purchase devices that have been approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory like UL or CSA. Do not allow anything to rest on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use. It may cause the device to overheat.

What do I need to know about electrical safety after natural disasters?

Be sure to turn off your power if your utility asks you to. Move any sensitive electronics high and make sure your phones and other emergency communication devices are fully charged. If you use a portable generator, make sure you use it away from windows and doors, and always use a GFCI with your generator. After the storm, have a qualified electrician inspect any water-damaged areas.

What are common electrical hazards outside my home?

Be aware of outdoor outlets that are not GFCI protected and before starting any work outside your home, always look up to identify any overhead power lines. If working near an overhead power line, be sure to stay at least 10 feet away from the power line. If you encounter a downed line, stay at least 35 feet away, or at least 3 car lengths away, and call 911.

What do I do if I see a downed power line?

If you see a downed power line, stop and do not approach it. Stay at least 35 feet away, or three car lengths away, and even further if the weather conditions are wet. Call 911 and notify them of the downed power line. Always assume all downed lines are live, energized, and dangerous.

What devices have lithium-ion batteries?

If a device is rechargeable, there a high likelihood that the device uses a lithium-ion battery. Some examples include electric toothbrushes, mobile phones, laptops, wireless headphone and earphones, personal massagers, vapes and e-cigarettes, drones, electric scooters and other e-mobility devices.

What are the signs that a lithium-ion battery is unsafe to use?

There are many signs of a damaged or unsafe battery. Common signs are a change in the battery color, sweet electrical burning odor emitted from the battery, noises or leaking coming from the battery, smoke coming from the battery, and a change in the battery or devices shape. If safe to do so, move suspected damaged or defective batteries or devices to an area away from the structure or into fireproof containers.

What should consumers look for when purchasing a new battery or battery-powered device?

Always make sure you purchase batteries and battery powered devices from reputable retailers who stand behind their product and offer a warranty or guarantee. Make sure that the device and battery have been listed and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL or CSA. Also be sure to use manufacturer approved accessories and backup batteries.

What does the UL and/or CSA label on my electronics mean?

UL and CSA are Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL). NRTL test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use. If a device receives NRTL listing and certification, it means the device has undergone safety testing to meet safety standards. Electronics with NRTL certification can be confirmed with the NRTL as genuine. Avoid purchasing products without NRTL certification, as they may not be designed to meet applicable industry standards and may be unsafe to use.

What do I need to know about traveling internationally with my electronics?

Different countries have different electrical systems. These are not only different plug types but also different voltages. In some cases, especially with small electronics like phones and laptops, the AC adapter attached to the devices charger can handle a range of voltages. The range of voltage the device can use will be display on the device (i.e. “110-240v”). Devices with a range of voltages listed on the device can safely be used with only a plug adapter when traveling to a country that uses a voltage within the voltage range shown on the device. Larger electrical devices like hair dryers would need a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter to work safely.