When you think about a cause of home fires your first thought was a candle caught something on fire, a child was playing with matches, someone didn’t extinguish a cigarette, but most residential fires are caused by electrical fires. Understanding what causes electrical fires can prevent them from burning down your home. We practice electrical safety at Orion Construction and we want you to practice them too.
Below is a list of lighting and electrical safety tips according to the National Fire Safety Council, Inc.
- Make sure all electrical boxes, wiring, and outlets are up to code.
- Turn off the power by flipping the breaker or removing the fuse for the circuit.
- Use a wooden ladder on a sturdy surface. Never use a metal ladder.
- Follow all manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and maintenance.
- Check that all lights have the UL, ETL. or CSA approval label.
- Make sure all bulbs are screwed in tightly. Loose bulbs are screwed in tightly. Loose bulbs may overheat.
- Inspect light fixtures (old & new) for:
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- Broken or cracked sockets.
- Frayed or bare wires.
- Loose connections.
- Loose or missing bulbs.
- Throw out or repair damaged lights.
- Turn off lights before replacing bulbs.
- Use proper wattage and voltage.
- Keep outdoor spotlights well-ventilated and away from things that could burn.
- Keep halogen floor lamps which could overhear away from anything that can burn.
- Check with your local utility before digging outside to avoid buried cables.
It is best to hire a professional to repair, replace, or install anything electrical. However, if you attempt a small job yourself, be knowledgeable and do it safely. If you need help to rebuild your home from an electrical fire, call the professional team at Orion Construction at 330-244-9708.
