Fire Safety
Electricity is safe when properly used, but fire hazards are created when equipment or wires become faulty.
The major causes of fire in electrical equipment
Arcing
Sudden flashes of electricity between two points of contact (arcs) are extremely hot. They can ignite combustible material, including insulation around wires, and hot material may be thrown off. Arcs that start fires are usually caused by short circuits, current being interrupted at switches, or loose terminals.
Overheating
Fire is a danger when current in motors and wires exceeds what the equipment is designed to carry.
Did you know?
Do not use water on an electrical fire. As electricity travels at close to the speed of light, it will travel up a solid stream of water as though the water was standing still.
Last Modified: Jul 20, 2009
