CPSC and NESF Urge Consumers to "Plug Into Electrical Safety"
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2000
Release # 00-112
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross or Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052 or 1188
CPSC and NESF Urge Consumers to "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.