FAQs > Home Safety

Make electrical safety awareness a habit to protect you and your family from electrical hazards.

If you have additional questions or wish to obtain a copy of the Indoor and Outdoor Electrical Safety Check booklets, see the contact information at the bottom of this page.

What are Recent Statistics on Residential Electrical Deaths and Injuries?

The latest figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that there are over 400 electrocutions in the United States annually.

Approximately 180 electrocutions are related to consumer products.

Large appliances were responsible for 10 percent of consumer product electrocutions.

Wiring hazards including damaged and exposed wiring and household wiring together accounted for 20 percent of the electrocutions.

Ladders contacting power lines cause 9 percent of electrocutions annually.

Power tools are responsible for approximately 9 percent of electrically related deaths. Landscaping, gardening and farming equipment are listed as the causes of 7 percent of consumer electrocutions annually.

But that is only part of the story. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home electrical problems account for over 53,000 home fires annually resulting in over 500 deaths, nearly 1,400 injuries, and over $1.4 billion in property damage.

ESFI, along with our supporters, is dedicated to increasing electrical safety awareness at home and in the workplace.

Do You Know 8 Ways to Protect Your Family from Electrical Hazards?

1. Electrical systems age and can become overloaded, particularly in older homes. Over the years as more lighting, appliances and equipment are added, the electrical system becomes overburdened and problems can develop. If fuses blow or circuit breakers protecting branch circuits trip frequently, new branch circuits or other repairs may be necessary. Depending on the condition of the equipment and the extent of the repairs, the cost may be nominal or could run into several thousand dollars. A qualified licensed electrician can determine if repairs are necessary and can estimate the cost.
2. Consider installation of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which detect arcs in electrical systems, a leading cause of electrical fires.
3. Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which can protect from lethal electrical currents.
4. Always follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions. If you have a question about a specific electrical product, contact the manufacturer. Many electrical manufacturers have web sites, including contact information.
5. Check outlets and extension cords to make sure they aren't overloaded.
6. Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged or placed under rugs or carpets.
7. Make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps.
8. One of the most important precautions consumers can take is to test GFCIs and smoke detectors monthly. Replace smoke detector batteries annually.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

What precautions can reduce outdoor electrical hazards?

Watch out for overhead wires and power lines, especially when using ladders or tree trimming equipment.

Electric-powered mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass, or in wet conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using it immediately. Repair it or replace it.

Be sure you have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on all outdoor outlets; portable GFCIs are available from most hardware and home improvement stores.

Always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools.

Remember to unplug all portable power tools when not in use.

HOME ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

What Do I need to know about home electrical systems?

Home electrical systems age and deteriorate. As they age, they require more frequent inspections and maintenance. Aging of electrical systems, combined with increased loads to meet today's electrical needs can pose electrical hazards.

ESFI and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend electrical inspections for the following:

• Houses over 40 years old,
• Houses 10 years and over with any major renovation or major appliance added, and
• Homes at the time of resale to provide consumers with a greater awareness of the condition of the electrical system, including capacity, limitations, potential hazards and safety solutions.

An electrical inspection differs from a home inspection. Electrical inspections cover only the electrical system. Your local city, county or state should have an electrical inspector's office, or you can contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.

Inspections help identify problems such as frequently blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, loose connections at outlets, older and deteriorated wiring, and outdated and overburdened electrical service. Repairs may be minor and nominal in cost, such as the cleaning and tightening of connections or the addition of outlets, or may be more complex and costly, and include the addition of circuits and subpanels, replacement of degraded wiring, or, particularly with older homes, upgrading the electrical service from 60 amp or 100 amp service. A licensed electrician can determine if repairs or upgrades are necessary, provide cost estimates, and work with consumers to prioritize projects.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS and FUSES

If an appliance continues to blow a fuse or trip a circuit breakers, what should I do?

Appliances that repeatedly blow fuses or trip circuit breakers should be unplugged and repaired or replaced. In addition, appliances that shock you should also be unplugged and repaired or replaced.

Are there any benefits to using circuit breakers instead of fuses?

The main difference between circuit breakers and fuses is that circuit breakers can be reset while fuses operate only once and then must be replaced. If your breakers or fuses trip repeatedly, call an electrician because you may have a problem with your electrical system.

AFCIs

What is an AFCI?

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters are electrical safety devices designed to prevent fires caused by dangerous electrical arcs. Arc faults are one of the major causes of the residential electrical fires that occur each year.

Use of new AFCI technology could prevent more than 30,000 home fires annually, saving hundreds of people from dealths and injuries, and avoiding the $750 million in property damage.

Arc faults do not necessarily create a sustained short circuit that causes a traditional circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow, but can result in hot spots in wiring that can lead to a fire. AFCIs recognize the unique signature of harmful arcs and shut off the circuit to prevent a fire hazard.

Arcs can occur along the circuit in residential electrical systems and at outlets and switches, behind walls. Hidden electrical fires can spread rapidly, delaying detection by smoke alarms, reducing the chances of survival. Conditions that trigger arc faults include:

• Damaged wires from nails driven into walls;
• Cracked insulation on wires due to aging or stress;
• Frayed wires at stress points;
• Loose or improper connections, faulty electrical equipment; and
• Overheated electrical wires.

ESFI recommends having AFCIs installed on all general purpose circuits throughout the home, particularly in older homes where arcing hazards could have developed over several years.

GFCIs

What is a GFCI?

A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI, is an electronic device for protecting people from serious injury due to electric shock.

How does the GFCI work?

GFCIs constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit. If the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning, the GFCI will quickly shut off the current flowing through that circuit. The advantage of using GFCIs is that they can detect even small variations in the amount of leakage current, even amounts too small to activate a fuse or circuit breaker. GFCIs work quickly, so they can help protect consumers from severe electric shocks and electrocution.

If the GFCI is working, is there any danger of electric shock?

Even if the GFCI is working properly, people can still be shocked. However, the GFCI can act quickly to prevent electrocution.

Do all GFCIs work in the same manner?

All GFCIs work in the same manner to protect people against ground faults. However, unlike the receptacle GFCI, the circuit breaker type GFCI also provides overload protection for the electrical branch circuit.

If the appliance has a built-in shock protector, is an additional GFCI necessary?

Appliances that have built-in shock protectors, as now required for hair dryers, may not need additional GFCI protection. However, other unprotected appliances still need GFCI protection.

Can consumers install GFCIs?

Consumers are encouraged to use a qualified and certified electrician to install circuit breaker-type GFCIs. Individuals with strong knowledge of electrical wiring practices, who can follow the instructions accompanying the device, may be able to install receptacle-type GFCIs. The portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install.

What is the big plug now found on such appliances as hair dryers?

The large box-like device found on the ends of some appliance cords can be either an appliance leakage circuit interrupter (ALCI), an immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). They work in different ways, but they are all intended to shut off the power to an appliance under an abnormal condition such as immersion of the appliance in liquid. Just because you have an appliance with one of these devices doesn't mean that it is okay to drop the appliance in water and retrieve it while it's plugged in. If you should happen to drop an electrical appliance in water, shut off power to the circuit into which the appliance is plugged, unplug the appliance, drain the water and retrieve the appliance. The rule that "electricity and water don't mix" still applies.

PLUGS

How does a three-prong plug work? What's the benefit of using it?

The third prong on a three-prong cord set provides a path to ground for electricity that is straying or leaking from a product. This helps prevent electric shock and protects the equipment.

If the product has a three-prong grounding type plug, is a GFCI still necessary?

GFCIs are necessary even if the product has a third wire to ground it. GFCIs provide very sensitive protection to consumers against electric shock hazards. Under some conditions, a shock hazard could still exist even if a product has a grounding wire.

How does a polarized plug work? What's the benefit of using it?

A polarized plug is a plug with one large or wide prong and one narrow one. It ensures that the plug is inserted correctly in a socket and reduces the risk of electrical shock.

What can I teach children about electrical outlets?

• First, never let anyone stick anything but a plug into an outlet.
• Second, for children old enough to plug items into an outlet, they should know to never try to force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit.
• When plugging or unplugging an item, be careful to not touch the metallic prongs with your finger or any other item you are holding.
• Last, make sure unused outlets have safety covers and make sure extension cords have safety closures to prevent shock hazards.

EXTENSION and POWER CORDS

What size extension cords should a consumer use? How can you tell if an extension cord is appropriate for the intended use?

Before purchasing an extension cord, consumers should consider how the cord will be used. Make sure the rating on the cord is the same as or higher than the number of watts needed by the product that will be plugged into the cord. Extension cords should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

What should I do with cracked, frayed or damaged electrical cords?

Have cracked, frayed and damaged cords and appliances repaired at certified repair centers, or clearly label them as damaged and electrically unsafe, and discard them. We recommend cutting the cord to make sure scavengers don't find the item and take the hazard with them.

Is it ok to run power cords under rugs or furniture?

Never run power cords across traffic paths or under rugs and furniture. Cords need ventilation to prevent heat buildup, which could cause a fire.

Can I nail a cord to a wall?

Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface.

How long can I use extension cords?

Never use extension cords on a continuous basis. Remember that they are only temporary solutions. Unplug and safely store them after every use.

Can I get more power from an outlet when I use a power strip?

No, they do not provide more power, but do provide more access to the same circuit. It is important to remember to not overload power strips and surge suppressors, or you might overload the circuit.

What should I know about electrical appliances?

Make sure your appliances are all certified by an independent testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL, or MET Labs, and read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Entertainment/Computer Equipment

Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of an independent testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL or MET labs.

Space Heaters

Space heaters supply extra heat. Don't use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Turn space heaters off, and unplug them when not in use. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustible material such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs. Plug space heaters directly into the outlet; do not use an extension cord, which can pose a fire hazard. Use a circuit with as little else on it as possible; space heaters can take a lot of power.

Halogen Floor Lamps

Halogen desk and floor lamps are fire risks. They should be replaced with lamps that use cooler burning and more efficient fluorescent bulbs.

Halogen floor lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies, clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Floor lamps that use cooler, more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs are available.

Electrical Storms and Appliances

During an electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e. hairdryers, toasters, radios) or telephones (except in an emergency). Do not take a bath or shower. Keep batteries on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage. And use surge protectors on electronic devices and appliances. For areas with a high occurrence of lightning, consider installing a surge arrestor for whole house protection.

Appliances and Water

Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the panel board and then unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.

What Electrical Safety Precautions Should I Use for Kids and Pets?

How can I keep small children from sticking objects in electrical outlets?

To prevent your child from receiving an electrical shock, cover exposed electrical outlets with protective devices. There are many types to choose from, including outlet caps that completely close off unused outlets, tamper-resistant outlets, and tamper-resistant wallplates and adaptors. The latter allow you to use an outlet, while preventing a child from poking fingers, pencils or other objects inside of it.

What steps can I take to make electrical cords safer around small children?

A favorite target of babies and toddlers are power cords, which they are apt to place in their mouth and chew. Consequently, parents should replace a worn or frayed electrical cord with one having an appropriate length. An even better idea is to keep young children away from cords altogether, since a child can actually choke on as little as 12 inches of cord.

Children also love to tug on loose electrical cords. As a result, they can knock over a lamp, appliance or telephone, and injure themselves in the process. To prevent these types of accidents, keep all cords out of the reach of small hands. Don't run extension cords under carpets or rugs, because walking on cords could break the insulation and possibly cause a fire.

What else can I do to protect my child from injury?

• Make sure there's a light bulb in every lamp socket.
• When portable fans, clothes irons, space heaters and the like are not in use, be sure to unplug them and put them away.
• If your fuse boxes are within reach of a small child, padlock them shut, and place the key in a safe place accessible only to adults.
• Use extension cords only for temporary power, not as substitutes for well-placed receptacles.
• Use night lights to illuminate darkened areas of your home.
• Use a switch extender wallplate, which helps youngsters reach wall switches to turn lights on and off.

Are there any safety tips I should tell children when they play with toys and games that run on electricity?

All liquids should be kept away from outlets and electrical items. Have cracked, frayed and damaged cords and appliances repaired at certified repair centers, or clearly label them as damaged and electrically unsafe, and discard them.

• Never run power cords across traffic paths or under rugs and furniture.
• Never use extension cords on a continuous basis. Remember that they are only temporary solutions.
• Do not overload power strips and surge suppressors, or to overload the circuit.

What should I tell children about electrical safety when they play outside?

• Assume an overhead line is a power line and stay away from it.
• Do not climb trees near power lines.

• Do not fly kites near power lines and never attempt to remove items caught in an overhead line.

• Stay away from downed power lines. Assume any downed line that you see is an energized and dangerous power line. Report it immediately to your police or fire department and your local utility.
• Do not use any object to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line. Objects that are even slightly damp can conduct electricity.
• Do not touch anyone who is in contact with a power line; call 911.
• Get inside at the first sign of lightning. Do not seek shelter under a tree.

How to Keep Pets Safe From Electrical Hazards

As a pet owner, you know all too well how your four-legged family member is apt to make a play toy out of everything in and around your home. A frisky Fido or curious Fluffy can cause an electrical hazard or fire in ways you may not have thought about. Keep your home a safe haven for all members of your family by implementing the following safety checklist.

What safety precautions can I take to keep cords away from pets?

It's important to make sure your pets don't add electrical devices to their toy chest. The same frayed electrical cord that delivers an electrical shock to an adult may have enough voltage to kill a dog or cat. So, keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens so they don't chew on them and receive a severe shock. If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you can paint it with a bittertasting polish or wrap the cord in a thick plastic sleeve.

My cat thinks the nightlight is a toy. What safety steps can I take?

Make sure nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Partially exposed prongs are a hazard for curious children, puppies and kittens.

What other electrical safety tips should I know about?

• Keep halogen lamps away from play areas for pets and children. Some halogen bulbs can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees. Knocked over during play they could easily cause a fire.
• Keep appliances near sinks, bathtubs, and pools a safe distance away from the water source.
• Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons and other items into the water, creating a dangerous situation.
• Discourage cats and dogs from curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment.
• Pets need to be kept away from all electrical connections.
• Bring pets indoors during lightning storms. Wind, rain and lighting can bring down live power lines, presenting a hazard for pets that are outdoors.
• Keep candles away from places where a cat or dog can knock them over.

Holiday Electrical Safety Tips for Children

The sparkle of holiday decorations is a delight to children. They're also a source of potential accidents, including decorations that get plugged into an electrical outlet. To keep infants and toddlers out of harm's way this holiday season, follow these simple safety tips.

Any tips to help find safety hazards before my toddler does?

The best place to start looking for potential electrical hazards is at eye level--not at adult eye level, but at child level. This means getting on your hands and knees and seeing the world from a child's perspective.

What can parents do to make Christmas trees safer?

Christmas tree lights can beckon a child to grab hold of a strand for a closer look--or worse, if they end up in an infant's mouth. To prevent the risks, start the lowest strand of tree lights out of the reach of infants and toddlers. It's also a good idea to avoid putting small and breakable ornaments, metal hooks, and ornaments that look like food on the lower limbs of the tree. And don't forget electrical cords, which can be a hazard.

What other holiday tips should I be aware of?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 1,000 people visit emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday lights each year. Another 6,000 people suffer injuries from holiday decorations and Christmas trees. To reduce emergency room visits, avoid overloading outlets during the holidays. Do not plug too many holiday lights or other electrical decorations into a single outlet. The problem: an overloaded outlet can overheat and potentially create an electrical fire.

For more on electrical safety for children, please check out ESFI's Mr. Plug Fun Book , which can be downloaded or ordered from this site by visiting the ESFI Library .

Special thanks to The Leviton Institute, the educational arm of the Leviton Manufacturing Company, for providing ESFI with this electrical safety information. The mission of the Leviton Institute is to educate consumers about the benefits of today's electrical wiring devices and systems, and to promote the safe use of electrical products in the home.