How fire safe is your home?



It is surprising that even after many fire accidents, nothing much is being done in the direction of prevention. Most efforts are being directed in improving fighting techniques and latest protection equipments rather than maintaining the electrical cabling system in healthy condition.  It does not mean that these efforts should be abandoned, but efforts towards prevention of fire accidents should be given due consideration. Data indicates that most of the fire accidents in industry, home, mall etc are because of electricity and in those accidents most accounts for short circuiting in wiring/cabling system.


Faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, according to a 2009 study by the National Fire Prevention Association. We always repair the fault in the circuit rather than getting inspected/tested by competent electrician at a regular interval. Sometimes the deteriorated wiring led to fire accidents in schools, hospitals, malls, industry etc and snatches lives of many.

And the older your house is, the greater the chances that old wiring might be outdated or unsafe. Therefore, it is advised that we must get the cabling system inspected for its healthiness and replace if needed before it turns into havoc.

As home is the most ignored area when it comes to check the wiring system, so home fire is being considered here. If you don’t know the condition of your wiring, it’s worth paying a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system.


Warning Signs of Outdated, Old Wiring


·       Breakers trip or fuses blow regularly.


·       A tingling sensation when you touch a wall switch, appliance, or receptacle.


·       Dimming and flickering lights.


·       A burning smell in a particular room or from an appliance.


·       Discoloured outlets and switch plates that are warm to the touch.


·       Ungrounded outlets throughout the house (ungrounded outlets accommodate only two-prong plugs).


·       A lack of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in your bathrooms, your kitchen, and other areas that may be exposed to damp and wet conditions.


·       Your house was built more than 40 years ago.


It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:


·       For tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner


·       at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home


·       at least every 5 years for a business


In next issue, I would like to share various ways of testing the wiring for extent of deterioration to decide replacement action.


 

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