Signs of an electrical hazard:
- Sparking from switches or receptacles
- Connections or splices in wires not made in junction boxes
- Open junction boxes and cover plates missing from switches and receptacles
- Use of extension cords as permanent wiring
- Over-fusing
- Ground pins removed or bypassed on appliances with three prong plugs
Extension cords
- The diameter of the extension cord should be larger than the cord on the appliance
- If the appliance is equipped with three prongs (ground pin), the extension cord must have three prongs.
- A power bar with a built-in breaker is a good alternative to standard extension cords.
Extension cords are for temporary use only. Do not:
- Use damaged cords
- Run cords under rugs, through partition walls or floors
- Nail cords to baseboards, door frames or window frames
- Connect cords to permanent wiring by splicing or joints
Home wiring
- Only a certified electrician should alter plugs, switches and wiring in your home
- Household circuits are designed to carry a load 15 amp fuse
- Over-fusing these circuits will allow the wiring to heat up before the fuse blows, increasing the potential for fire
- If your 15 amp fuses blow repeatedly, then replace them with 15 amp time-delay fuses.
Return to the Fire Safety and Guidelines page.