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In the United States, about 51,000 home electrical fires occur each year, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries and a property loss of approximately 1.3 billion dollars.
Some of these fires are caused by appliances that you use every day. In this blog, an electrician shows which devices pose the highest risks and what you can do to keep your home safe.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are the leading cause of home electrical fires. They account for 44 percent of those fires and 81 percent of deaths, and 80 percent of injuries caused by home heating fires. Electrical space heaters cause more than half of space heater-related fires.
Homeowners are advised to keep space heaters at least three feet away from combustible materials like curtains and bedding. They should also clean their heating equipment regularly and never leave it unattended. Most deaths caused by heating fires occur between midnight and 8:00 am; thus, this equipment should not run while you are asleep.
For optimal safety, you might need an electrician in Tyler, TX, to install an extra outlet for your space heater. The technician will also ensure it is on a circuit with minimal load.
Heating Pads and Electric Blankets
Each year, heating pads and electric blankets account for around 500 home electrical fires. Most of these fires are caused by old electric blankets, some even more than 10 years old.
Again, electric blankets and heating pads should never be used while sleeping or left unattended. Do not use them if the wires are frayed or damaged.
You should also never use them with an extension cord or power strips, as they tend to overheat.
Slow Cookers and Crockpots
Though not the most dangerous appliances on the list, slow cookers have been involved in approximately 70 home fires each year between 2011 to 2015, resulting in $3.3 million in direct property damage. This might seem like an insignificant number, except if it’s your house that is affected.
To reduce the risk from slow cookers and crockpots, you should:
- Follow the manufacturer’s manual closely.
- Pay attention to the recipes and use the correct temperature settings.
- Have an electrician install smoke detectors and alarms in your kitchen.
Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens are another kitchen appliance that could be a potential fire hazard. Between 2007 and 2011, around 7,100 house fires per year originated from microwave ovens. And while these numbers have reduced over the years, you still need to exercise caution when using a microwave oven.
It would be best if you plugged microwaves directly into walls and put them in an easily-accessible place. Do not use aluminum foil or metal in the microwave oven.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers pose a risk for electrical fires and can lead to electrical shock if not used properly. They account for around 500 electrical fires a year.
Dishwashers need to be plugged into a GFCI outlet to prevent electrocution. Always hire a licensed electrician near me for dishwasher installation and repairs.
Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers are convenient, but they account for many home fires. Almost 13,820 home fires per year related to clothes dryers were reported between 2014 and 2018. In a year, home fires caused by clothes dryers result in $233 million in property damage and 344 injuries annually.
Most of these fires are caused by a failure to clean lint in the dryer exhaust. To be safe, you should clean the lint filter after each load, have a licensed electrician in Tyler, TX install a dryer, and schedule regular maintenance checks.
If you can, air dry your clothes. Not only can you avoid potential dryer fires, but you will also save on energy costs.
Washing Machines
Because washing machines are usually next to clothes dryers in a laundry room, they also pose a risk for potential electrical fires.
Faulty wiring and uninsulated cables are the leading cause of fires involving washing machines. To ensure your washing machine’s safety and long-term efficiency, have it installed and serviced by a licensed electrician near me.
Extension Cords
Not so much an appliance on its own, but extensions and power strips still deserve to be mentioned. They are often used with some of the abovementioned appliances and pose risks.
Extension cords are the source of around 3,300 home electrical fires every year. Overheating extension cords is the greatest cause of these fires.
Appliances that use a lot of electricity should not be plugged into extension cords. These include space heaters, refrigerators, freezers, coffee makers, slow cookers, toasters, microwaves, heating pads, and electric blankets.
Extension cords are only a temporary solution and should be used with care. Don’t use them if the wire is frayed or damaged. Ask your electrician to install additional outlets to avoid depending on extension cords.
To Wrap It Up
Most of the appliances that are used daily can be dangerous if not utilized correctly or neglected. Fortunately, the number of related fires and injuries has slowly decreased since manufacturers must comply with stricter safety regulations.
The national electric code (NEC) is regularly updated to include more and better safety measures. For example, GFCIs have significantly reduced the number of electrocutions in consumer-related products.
Still, you need to ensure you use your appliances safely. If you get an electric shock when touching a machine or it is hot, call a licensed electrician near me. The professional will determine the fault with the device or the electrical system.
Want to Learn More? Contact Mister Sparky of East Texas
As long as there is electricity, electrical fires will be a problem that homeowners must be aware of and take necessary safety measures to avoid. At Mister Sparky of East Texas, we strive to ensure that our clients can feel safe in their homes.
Apart from electrical repairs and installations, we also offer round-the-clock emergency services. If you are searching for a licensed and insured electrician near me, give us a call at Mister Sparky of East Texas today, and we can guarantee you will be satisfied.
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