Electricians Near You
Dallas, GA

Electrical fires continue to haunt homeowners across the United States. According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) figures, at least 26,000 fires every year can be traced to electrical problems. Nearly 300 Americans are killed as a result of these blazes.

Those numbers should put every homeowner on high alert and prompt you to review the electrical safety fire hazards in your home, from checking your appliances to issues with extension cords and damaged wiring.

Here are 7 things homeowners can put on that checklist to prevent electrical fires:

1. Treat frayed appliance cords and wiring seriously. A cord with exposed wiring is an immediate cause for concern. Family members can be shocked (or worse) when they come into contact with an exposed line of electricity. Damaged cords should be replaced by a qualified,state-licensed electrician, and you should stop using the appliance until a professional can assess its condition.
2. End the use of extension cords. The USFA cautions against the regular use of extension cords. They are meant to be a temporary solution, not a permanent replacement for a wall outlet. Large appliances need a dedicated outlet, and an electrician can advise on which locations within a room are viable. Connecting appliances via extension cords is a major electrical fire hazard.
3. Rethink appliance purchase and use. Too much of appliance purchasing is based on product appearance and branding. Check if the appliance you want has the seal of a nationally recognized testing laboratory. While most major brands have completed the proper tests, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) provides a list on its site if you are uncertain. When using any appliance, make sure the plug matches the outlet, prong-for-prong.
4. Remove cords from trafficked areas. Some room layouts can make it seem impossible to place appliances without using extension cords or passing wires through high-traffic areas, including wires covered by rugs. The solution is to add an outlet or change the location of the appliance. Don't keep a cord where people travel over it. This shortcut is too dangerous, as a cord kicked loose from the appliance can start a fire in any material covering it.
5. Acknowledge smoke signals. When an appliance is operating, any sign of smoke is enough to cease using it until it is repaired. The same approach applies for wiring and cords. In the case of any electrical device, when there's smoke, there will likely be fire.
6. Assess power strip specifications. As with the appliances you buy, it's important to check the specifications of power strips and surge protectors to ensure they have been tested by a recognized lab. They need internal overload protection, or the potential for electrical fires increases dramatically.
7. Reserve all electrical work for qualified technicians. The easiest way to prevent electrical fires is to contact a reputable company with experience in electrical work and have them check your home. A qualified master electrician should control the project, no matter how minor you consider the job. Temporary fixes, such as space heaters and extension cords, often become permanent habits for homeowners, which increases the likelihood of electrical fires.

For over 40 years, homeowners in the Metro Atlanta area have depended on Reliable Heating & Air. Our skilled electricians specialize in preventing electrical fires that could turn into tragedies. Call Reliable Heating & Air today!