Lots of power cords pluged into a power bar.

Outlet Safety Tips

When the weather turns colder and we spend more time indoors, you might find yourself reaching for an electric space heater or electric blanket to help take the chill off when you are home. But before you do, it’s a good idea to think twice about where you are going to plug in those power-hungry devices. A little forethought can help prevent the fire hazards that can be caused by overloading an an electrical outlet or circuit.

The dangers of electrical overloads

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, every year fire departments in the U.S. respond to an estimated 24,200 home electrical fires. These fires cause an estimated:

  • 295 deaths
  • 900 injuries
  • $1.2 billion in property loss
Nearly 40% of home electrical fires involve outlets and other electrical wiring.


To reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home, you should only use about 80% of the available power on each outlet or circuit.

Are you overloading your outlet?

Except for those intended for major appliances, most electrical circuits in your home usually are rated for 15 or 20 amps. Most of these circuits server multiple outlets and/or light fixtures. So, how do you know if you are in danger of drawing too much power on one circuit? A simple formula will help:

DEVICE WATTAGE/VOLTS = AMPS

 
For example, if you are using a portable heater that draws 1,500 watts in a home with a typical 120-volt service, that heater would draw 12.5 amps. That’s about 83% of a 15-amp circuit’s capacity and 62% of a 20-amp circuit’s capacity just to run the heater.
 
As you can see, one high-demand device can quickly use up much of a circuit’s capacity. If you add other devices in the same outlet or outlets on the same circuit, you could run the risk of overload which could create a fire hazard. Although the circuit breakers in you home’s electrical panel provide some protection from overloads, it’s best to avoid them in the first place.
 
Overload symptoms:
  • Frequent circuit breaker trips
  • Flickering or dimming lights, especially when using other lights or appliances
  • A buzzing sound from switches or outlets
  • Switch covers or outlets that are warm to the touch
  • Visible burn marks or a burning smell from switches or outlets
  • Scorched outlets
  • Sluggish electronics or lack of power in appliances
  • A shock or tingling sensation when you touch switches, outlets, or appliances
If you notice any of the above symptoms at your home, reduce the load on the circuit and consider consulting a licensed electrician to discuss your home’s electrical needs.
 

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