By Evolution Electric & Controls

Electrical Fire Prevention

Jun 14, 2021 | 9:35 AM

20 percent of all fires in Canada are due to electrical fires. In the US there are more than 24,000 electrical fires annually. That’s a lot – too much. They’re preventable if the right pros are brought in at the right time.

Extension cord safety rules

• Don’t use extension cords as a substitute for repairing building wiring.
• Inspect extension cords for broken connectors, damaged insulation and missing hardware before each use.
• Do not run extension cords through walls, over beams, around corners or through doorways.
• Only use extension cords approved for the environment and loads expected.
• Equip extension cords with ground fault interruption (GFI) devices.
• Don’t use coiled extension cords.
• Discard damaged extension cords; don’t try to repair them.
• Use only surge protected power strips. Inspect the power strips regularly for damage or signs of overloading.

Temporary wiring safety rules

• Don’t substitute temporary and flexible wiring for repairing building wiring.
• Use temporary wiring only when needed for maintenance, repair or demolition activities.
• Limit temporary wiring for holiday or ornamental lighting to no more than 90 days.
• In outdoor settings use only outdoor approved temporary wiring and extension cords.
• Don’t route temporary wiring across floors, around doors or through walls.
• Locate temporary wiring at least 7 feet above any walking or working surface.
• Protect temporary wiring from sharp edges, heat and sunlight to avoid breakdown of the insulation.

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Equipment power cords safety rules

• Inspect equipment cords for damage before each use.
• Don’t operate equipment cords without a ground connection unless they are double insulated.
• Don’t splice equipment cords to repair damage or to extend the original length.