- Author
- Hall, J. R., Jr.
- Title
- U.S. Home Product Report (Appliances and Equipment Involved in Fires).
- Coporate
- National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
- Keywords
- appliances | equipment | fire statistics | home fires | electrical equipment | methodology | death | injuries | wires | lighting equipment | fuses | circuit breakers | overcurrent | measuring instruments | transformers | clothes dryers | air conditioning | electric batteries
- Identifiers
- electrical distribution equipment; other appliances and equipment
- Abstract
- In 1999-2002, there were an estimated 32,000 reported home structure fires per year associated with electrical distribution equipment. Fixed wiring, switches, receptacles and outlets account for the largest share of fires among major types of electrical distribution equipment, while cords and plugs account for the largest share of civilian fire deaths and injuries. Short circuit or ground fault is the leading factor contributing to ignition in every group of electrical distribution equipment products. Clothes dryers and washing machines are the leading equipment involved in home fires, excluding heating, cooking and electrical distribution equipment.