The home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record players. Whey buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
According to the U.S. Fire Administration regarding house fires:
- In a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.
- During the holidays in December is the most dangerous time for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increased lighting, heating, and appliance use.
- Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom. Most electrical fires are a result of problems with fixed wiring such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring.
- Faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.
- Many electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.