CPSC, National Electrical Safety Foundation Urge Consumers
to Plug Into Electrical Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Safety
Foundation (NESF) are urging consumers to look for and
correct electrical safety hazards in their homes this May as
part of National Electrical Safety Month.
Every day a person dies in an electrical accident and
every day families lose their homes to electrical fires.
The tragedy for all victims of electrical accidents is that
they are preventable, said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "If
every household installed ground fault circuit interrupters
(GFCI s), deaths from electrocution in and around the home
could be reduced by one-half. I urge consumers to look
around their homes and correct electrical hazards. The
simple act of removing electrical cords from under rugs
could help prevent many house fires."
According to NESF Chairman Don Mader, most people take
electricity for granted. "Electricity is a useful
convenience that enhances our lives and homes. Too often, we
tend to forget that electricity is a powerful energy source
that must be treated with care and respect. National
Electrical Safety Month is a good time to reacquaint
ourselves with some basics, such as reading the use and care
instructions and safety tips provided with electrical
appliances, paying attention to all safety markings on
electrical equipment, and checking every power cord to make
sure it isn't damaged. These are simple things to do, but
they are important for the safety of you and your family,"
said Mader.
Consumers can get plugged into electrical safety and
help protect themselves from electrical accidents by taking
a few minutes to check their homes for unsafe conditions.
Make sure cords are in good condition. A frayed or
cracked cord could cause a shock or fire. Replace old and
damaged extension cords with new ones having the certification label of an independent testing
laboratory on the cord.
Check to see that extension cords are not overloaded,
as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord and the
appliance. Overloaded extension cords could cause fires.
Change the cord to a higher rated one or unplug some
appliances, and remember that extension cords should only be
used on a temporary basis and are not intended as permanent
household wiring.
To reduce the risks of electric shock, make sure that
GFCI protection is provided for outlets at kitchen counters,
in bathrooms, and at outdoor receptacles. Test GFCIs monthly
to make sure they are working properly.
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures and
lamps to make sure they are the correct wattage. Replace
bulbs that have a higher wattage than recommended to
prevent overheating that could lead to a fire.
Check to see that fuses are the correct size for the
circuit. Replacing a correct size fuse with a larger size
fuse can present a serious fire hazard.
If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a
circuit breaker, or has given you a shock, unplug it and
have it repaired or replaced.
Check to see if outlets and switches are unusually warm
or hot to the touch. If so, an unsafe wiring condition could
exist. Do not use the outlet or switch and have a qualified
electrician check the wiring as soon as possible.
These safety tips, along with many more, are published
in the pamphlet entitled A Home Electrical Safety Check.
To receive a free pamphlet, consumers should send a 55 cent
stamped, self-addressed envelope to NESF, 1300 North 17th
Street, Suite 1847, Rosslyn, Va. 22209. NESF is a non-profit
organization, which was formed in 1994 with the belief that,
through its efforts, electrical accidents could be prevented
and lives saved.