Electrical Fire Safety Checklist

Electrical fires do not have to happen. Use this checklist to help you find and fix electrical fire hazards in your home before they can start a fire.

Smoke Alarms

c Do you have smoke alarms in all the NO or I DON’T KNOW: Install smoke Smoke alarms save lives. Nearly two-
right locations? alarms on each level of the home, out- thirds of home fire deaths occur in
TEST

side each sleeping area, and inside each homes without working smoke alarms.
bedroom. TEST TEST

c Do you test them once a month? NO: Test smoke alarms once a month by Smoke alarms can stop working without TEST

pressing the TEST button. showing signs of failure, so regular testing

is necessary to ensure they are working
properly.

c Have you changed the batteries this year? NO: Replace batteries at least once a When batteries run down, the smoke TEST
year or sooner if they begin to “chirp.” alarm will not sound.

c Do you know how old the alarms are? NO: Smoke alarms should be replaced The components inside smoke alarms can
at least every 10 years. Replace alarms if wear out over time, which could affect their
you are unsure of their age. operation.


c
Switches and Outlets

Are all the switches and outlets working NO: Have a licensed electrician check Improperly operating switches or outlets may
x
properly? these switches and outlets. indicate an unsafe wiring condition, which
could be a fire hazard.
c Are any switches or outlets warm to YES: Stop using these switches and out- Unusually warm switches or outlets may
lets until they are checked by a licensed

x
the touch? indicate an unsafe wiring condition.
electrician.

c Do any switches or outlets make crack- YES: Have a licensed electrician check Unusual noises from a switch or outlet may
ling, buzzing, or sizzing sounds? these switches and outlets. indicate an unsafe wiring condition, such as a ON

loose electrical connection.

c Do plugs fit snugly into all outlets? NO: Outlets without a snug fit should be Loose-fitting plugs can cause overheating
replaced by a licensed electrician. and fires.

Visit ESFI's website at www.electrical-safety.org for more electrical and home fire safety information.

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 Electrical Fire Safety Checklist

 Cords
c Is any cord cracked, frayed, or otherwise YES: Do not use damaged cords. Damaged cords may have exposed wires

x
damaged? Replace the cord or the equipment. that can be a fire and shock hazard.

c Are any cords pinched by furniture or in YES: Move furniture or relocate cords Pinching cords can cause damage to the
doors/windows? to prevent cord damage. insulation or break wire strands, creating a
fire or shock hazard.

YES: Remove nails or staples. Check Nails and staples can cut or pinch insula-
c Are cords attached to anything with nails
cord and replace if damaged. tion or break wire strands, presenting a

x
or staples?
fire or shock hazard.

c Are cords located under carpets or rugs? YES: Move cords or carpets so the cords Cords can overheat if air cannot flow
are not covered. around them, creating a fire hazard.

c Do you use extension cords on a YES: Have a licensed electrician install Extension cords are designed to be used only
permanent basis? new outlets where needed or move temporarily. Extended use may damage the

c Are cords kept wrapped up while being

equipment closer to an outlet.

YES: Unwrap cords.

cord, creating a fire and shock hazard.

Wrapped cords trap heat, which can lead to

x
used? melting or weakening of the insulation.

 Lamps and Appliances

c Are you using the appropriate NO or I DON’T KNOW: Replace incorrect A bulb with a wattage higher than
wattage light bulb in all lamps and bulbs with bulbs of the proper wattage. Use recommended may overheat the light

x
light fixtures? bulbs of 60 watts or less if you are unsure of fixture, wiring or nearby combustible
the appopriate wattage. material, leading to a fire.
c Are portable electric heaters kept at NO: Move heater at least 3 feet away from Some heaters can produce enough heat to
least 3 feet away from anything that combustible material, such as curtains, ignite nearby combustible materials.
can burn? bedding, and newspapers.

c Are all appliance cords placed so they

will not come in contact with hot sur-
NO: Move cords away from all heat
sources, such as heaters, range, and
Cords can melt or burn from excess
heat. This can expose wires and lead x
faces? toaster. to a fire or electric shock.

Visit ESFI's website at www.electrical-safety.org for more electrical and home fire safety information.
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 Electrical Fire Safety Checklist
Electrical Panel

c Are fuses or circuit breakers the correct NO or I DON’T KNOW: Have a licensed The wrong size fuse or circuit breaker can
size for the circuit? electrician determine the correct sizes and cause the wiring to overheat, creating a
install them. fire hazard. ON

c Do you have arc fault circuit interrupters NO. Consider having a licensed electri- AFCIs are advanced circuit breakers that
(AFCIs)? cian replace the standard circuit breakers provide greater electrical fire protection. OFF
with AFCIs.

c If AFCIs are installed, do you test them NO. Test AFCIs monthly using the AFCIs can stop working without show-
every month? TEST button on the AFCI. Have a ing signs of failure, so regular testing is TEST
licensed electrician replace defective necessary to ensure they are working
AFCIs. properly.

TEST

OFF
ON
TEST

OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF

OFF
ON

ON
TEST

TEST
OFF
ON
TEST

OFF
ON
TEST
Visit ESFI's website at www.electrical-safety.org for more electrical and home fire safety information.

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