Electrical Inspections

Cole Reminds Missourians the Safety Value in Electrical Inspections

May is National Electrical Safety Month

JEFFERSON CITY, May 1, 2007-State Fire Marshal Randy Cole reminds Missourians to observe May as National Electrical Safety Month. He encourages homeowners to inspect their electrical system and learn how to recognize potential electrical hazards. As electrical systems age, they deteriorate and become overloaded.

Failure to inspect and maintain an electrical system may increase the risk of having a fire. The National Fire Protection Association statistics show between 1994 and 1998, there were an average of more than 400,000 residential fires with nearly 17 percent of those related to the electrical distribution or appliances and equipment. These fires resulted in more than 800 deaths, 4,800 injuries and $1.3 billion in property damage.

“These types of incidents can be prevented by having an electrical inspection to identify any hidden hazards in your home,” Cole said. “Taking a little time to recognize potential risks can help reduce the risk of a fire in homes.”

An electrical inspection should include:

• Checking the capacity of the electrical service to ensure it is able to meet demands placed upon it
• Checking the quality of exposed wiring
• Inspecting the electrical panel box and checking that all connections are safe
• Checking the wiring of receptacles, switches and light fixtures
• Measuring for voltage drops
• Checking for proper polarity and grounding at receptacles
• Checking for required ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and testing each
• Identify type of wiring (aluminum or copper) and checking conductors
• Checking the type, temperature rating and condition of the wire insulation
• Checking for placement of smoke detectors and test each

In addition, removing electrical cords from behind baseboards and under carpets or rugs will reduce the risk of fire. Electrical cords used in this manner can overheat and ignite nearby combustible material.

“As always, working smoke detectors are life savers,” Cole said. “Please remember to inspect, maintain and test your smoke detectors on a periodic basis and change the batteries at least twice a year.”

*News Release*
*Public Safety*	Matt Blunt, Governor	Mark James, Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Terri Durdaller Communication Director Work:(573) 751-4819 Cell: (573) 301-2023
Cole Reminds Missourians the Safety Value in Electrical Inspections May is National Electrical Safety Month JEFFERSON CITY, May 1, 2007-State Fire Marshal Randy Cole reminds Missourians to observe May as National Electrical Safety Month. He encourages homeowners to inspect their electrical system and learn how to recognize potential electrical hazards. As electrical systems age, they deteriorate and become overloaded. Failure to inspect and maintain an electrical system may increase the risk of having a fire. The National Fire Protection Association statistics show between 1994 and 1998, there were an average of more than 400,000 residential fires with nearly 17 percent of those related to the electrical distribution or appliances and equipment. These fires resulted in more than 800 deaths, 4,800 injuries and $1.3 billion in property damage. “These types of incidents can be prevented by having an electrical inspection to identify any hidden hazards in your home,” Cole said. “Taking a little time to recognize potential risks can help reduce the risk of a fire in homes.” An electrical inspection should include: • Checking the capacity of the electrical service to ensure it is able to meet demands placed upon it • Checking the quality of exposed wiring • Inspecting the electrical panel box and checking that all connections are safe • Checking the wiring of receptacles, switches and light fixtures • Measuring for voltage drops • Checking for proper polarity and grounding at receptacles • Checking for required ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and testing each • Identify type of wiring (aluminum or copper) and checking conductors • Checking the type, temperature rating and condition of the wire insulation • Checking for placement of smoke detectors and test each In addition, removing electrical cords from behind baseboards and under carpets or rugs will reduce the risk of fire. Electrical cords used in this manner can overheat and ignite nearby combustible material. “As always, working smoke detectors are life savers,” Cole said. “Please remember to inspect, maintain and test your smoke detectors on a periodic basis and change the batteries at least twice a year.”
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