ESFI was recently featured in an article to educate consumers about how to prevent accidents at home. Here is an excerpt from that article from Porch.
What are some steps you can take to eliminate electrical hazards in the home?
Each year, electrical malfunctions account for 35,000 home fires causing over 1,130 injuries, 500 deaths, and $1.4 billion in property damage. Many existing homes can’t handle the demands of today’s electrical appliances and devices. The warning signs of an overloaded electrical system include frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses, dimming of lights when other devices are turned on, buzzing sounds from switches or outlets, discolored outlets, and appliances that seem underpowered.
To avoid electrical overloads, label your circuit breakers to understand the different circuits in your home. You should have your home inspected by a qualified electrician if older than 40 years or has had a major appliance installed. They can also install new circuits for high-energy use devices. You can further reduce your electrical load by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
Additional electrical hazards to avoid involve extension cords. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires, so using them properly is critical to your safety. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Never plug a device that generates heat, such as a space heater, into an extension cord. They should be plugged directly into an electrical receptacle.
See more from Porch.
