Electrical faults continue to be one of the leading causes of fires in U.S homes, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
A new survey by the Association revealed electrical failure or malfunction to be a factor contributing to ignition in around 51,800 reported home structure fires in 2007. Of the 2003-2007 home structure fires reported, just under half (47%) involved some type of electrical equipment.
Leading types of equipment involved in the ignition of electrical fires were washers and dryers, fans, air conditioning equipment, space heaters and water heaters.
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment accounted for 6% of serious home fires, ranking fourth behind cooking equipment, heating equipment and intentional.
The data was collected from the US Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System, which is used by fire departments across the States to report fires and other incidents.
