How to Prevent Tragic Events; Four Die in Teaneck House Fire

Electrical Hazards and How to Correct Them


1. Extension cords are typically smaller than the amperage rating of the permanent wiring that they extend. This can cause the wire to heat up long before the fuse blows or circuit breaker is tripped. Extension cords should not be put below carpeting, because they could be damaged by the staples, etc. This feel of "permanence" could create an atmosphere where it could be used for appliances that will overload the wire. Extension cords should not be installed through floors or walls because of their vulnerability to damage.

2. Wire splices should only be installed in prescribed boxes and mechanically secured. Exposed splices may become loose and cause arcing and excessive heat and deterioration.

3. Service entrance cables with deteriorated outer coverings will allow water to enter and may follow the cables into the meter socket and possibly into the main panel box. This will cause corrosion. It may also cause circuit breakers to freeze in the "closed" or "on" position. This is a significant fire hazard. The service entrance cable should be replaced when the outer covering is deteriorated.

4. Broken or loose switches and outlets should be replaced because their dependability is suspect and the occupants may be exposed to shock. Breaking or cutting off of the ground prong of a three-prong plug may not affect the operation of the appliance. However, it does compromise the safety of the user.

5. Dimmer switches should be checked for excessive heat. The rating of the dimmer should always be higher than the total wattage of the bulbs it serves. Dimmers with ratings 50 percent to 100 percent above the total bulb wattage are desirable.

6. Light fixtures and related shades and covers can deteriorate quickly if the bulbs used in the fixture are larger than the fixture rating. Fires can result.

7. Circuit breakers that will not trip or are "buzzing" are a problem. It may be related to moisture, corrosion, or inexpensive or incompatible equipment, but it must be corrected as soon as possible.

8. Electrical equipment, wiring, panels and fixtures should never be installed in areas with excessive relative humidity unless the equipment is designed for this use. These situations are a significant safety hazard and should be addressed as soon as possible.

9. Incandescent lighting close to clothes or other combustibles in closets may create a fire hazard. Bulbs should have covers and should be a minimum of 12" from combustible material.

10. Fuses and circuit breakers only purpose is to protect the wire they are attached to by keeping it from overheating. Oversized fuses or circuit breakers do not enhance the electric circuitry or the equipment they serve. Fourteen-gauge wire is rated for 15 amps. Use no more than a 15-amp circuit breaker or fuse. Twelve-gauge wire is rated 20 amps. Ten-gauge wire is rated 30 amps. Some people may be under the impression that the larger fuse/circuit breaker will allow that line to hold more. The integrity of the wire is compromised from overheating.

A slight overload in an electrical circuit, a burned out refrigerator motor, a defective circuit breaker, windows blocked by air conditioners and a dresser and attic windows that were too small for fire egress are supsected to all have contributed to the deaths of the four children in a recent fire in Teaneck New Jersey.


http://www.AccurateInspections.com
http://www.NewJerseyHomeInspection.com