Electrical Fires Are Serious Business

“The leading cause of fires in the home is a faulty electrical system.”
-Vernon T. Houchin: Retired Fire Captain

The Statistics

According to FEMA, electrical fires claim the lives of 280 Americans each year and injure 1,000 more. Home electrical problems account for 26,100 fires and $1 billion in property losses every year. Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires.

One of the best precautions you can take is getting a thorough safety inspection. A trained electrician will examine your electrical panel, heating system, basement, attic, and smoke detector system for any problems and give you any necessary recommendations.

Federal Pacific Circuit Breakers

Usually found in homes before 1990, Federal Pacific Electric breakers may be associated with as many as 2,800 electrical fires each year in the U.S..

Federal Pacific, a now defunct company, manufactured circuit breakers that caused several house fires. Safety experts say that anyone with a Federal Pacific Electric breaker contact an electrician to determine if it should be replaced. Federal Pacific Electric cheated on testing and inspections decades ago to achieve approval from Underwriters Laboratories, a nonprofit product safety testing and certification organization. Nearly every item using or carrying electricity sold in the United States is tested and verified by UL.

Electrical fires are serious business. If your home has not had a thorough safety inspection, contact PowerHouse Electrical Services to schedule one as soon as possible. Never procrastinate when it comes to safety.