Here are some electrical safety tips to help reduce the risk of fires.
- Avoid overloading outlets or circuits
- Turn off space heaters when you leave the house or go to bed. Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.
- Place child safe covers in all unused electrical outlets.
- Keep unprotected cords out of the path of foot traffic and furniture to prevent fraying, overheating and tripping.
- Never run a cord under a rug. It prevents the cord from releasing its heat and could lead to a fire.
- Don't leave cords dangling anywhere where they can be pulled down and tripped over.
- Make sure there is no crimping or pressure on cords, and don't force them into small spaces or behind furniture. Over time, this could lead to a breakdown of the cord's insulation. When using cord-bundling devices, such as Cable Turtles or plastic spiral wire wrap, avoid cramming too many cords together.Â
- Use CSA approved power bars when appropriate, but do not overload. These are typically rated for 13 AMP circuits only; if used on a 15 AMP circuit, power bars may cause an overload leading to fire.
- Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection. If permanent wiring is required, have additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician. Extension cords should not be linked together - instead, use an extension cord that is long enough to do the job.Â
- Circuits which trip regularly should be promptly corrected.
- Use a qualified electrician to correct all electrical problems.
- Replace cords and wiring if they are frayed or cracked.
- Don't use an adapter to get an extension cord with a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet.
- Air conditioners and other heavy appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet. If that is not possible, use a 14 gauge, three-wire grounding-type appliance extension cord.
- Avoid overloading a circuit with "octopus outlets". If additional outlets or circuits are required, have them installed by a licensed electrician.
- When replacing a fuse, make sure it is of the right amperage. Substituting a higher amp fuse where a smaller one is required can pose a fire hazard.Â
- If the cord is hot to the touch, don't use it.
Fire prevention and investigation
Phone: 780-449-9651
Email: Fireprevention@strathcona.ca