Electrical fires remain a significant cause of residential fires, and it is important to take preventive measures to avoid them. Remember to call a licensed electrician or your landlord if you notice any potential electrical malfunctions in your home.

Here are nine tips to help prevent electrical fires in your home:

1. 1. Have all electrical work done by a licensed electrician.
      Licensed electricians are trained to meet Canadian building codes and standards.
   2. When buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a licensed electrician.
      An electrician can identify potential electrical hazards that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
   3. Only plug in one heat-producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time and unplug it after use.
   4. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
      Avoid using extension cords and plug strips, as they are not designed to carry the large loads of major appliances.
   5. Use Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) designed to shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs.
      AFCIs should be installed by a licensed electrician.
   6. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock.
      GFCIs should be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and all outdoor receptacles.
   7. Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month to ensure they are working properly.
      To test a GFCI, simply push the TEST button to turn off the power to the circuit if you have a receptacle or circuit breaker GFCI. For the receptacle outlet, push the RESET button to return power and protection. For the circuit breaker, reset the handle to restore power and protection. Remember, it is always best to call a qualified electrician to test your circuit interrupters, especially if there are any issue.
   8. Avoid running electrical cords across doorways or under carpets.
      Use safety cords that can monitor and sense excessive heat in outlets and plugs, such as Woods® Yellow Jacket®. It is best to have a licensed electrician add more receptacle outlets to avoid improper use and overloading of extension cords.
   9. Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers and an emerging influence in many important electrical markets. As one of the leading manufacturers of wire and cable used in the transmission and distribution of electricity, Southwire delivers power to millions of people around the world. For more information about Southwire’s products, its community involvement, and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.