What are the latest statistics on residential electrical safety injuries?

The latest figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that there were 400 total accidental electrocutions in 2000:

  • 150 of which related to consumer products
  • 30 involved a variety of other products such as sports and recreational  equipment, lawn and garden equipment, antennas, pipes, poles and fences
  • 29 of those related to large appliances like air conditioners, pumps, water heaters, furnaces and clothes dryers
  • 22 involved ladders contacting overhead power lines
  • 17 involved small appliances such as microwave ovens, electric fans, extension cords and televisions
  • 15 involved power tools
  • 12 involved lighting equipment
  • 10 involved contact with installed household wiring

But that is only part of the story. The CPSC estimates there is an annual average of 165,380 electrical-related home structure fires, taking an average of 910 lives, injuring nearly 7,000 and causing nearly $1.7 billion in property damage.

Show All Answers

1. What are the latest statistics on residential electrical safety injuries?
2. How can consumers help protect themselves from electrocution and electrical-related injuries?
3. If you have an old house with old wiring, how do you know if repairs are necessary? How extensive and costly can such repairs be?
4. How does a three-prong plug work? What is the benefit of using it?
5. How does a polarized plug work? What is the benefit of using it?
6. What is the device now found on the plugs of such appliances as hair dryers?
7. What size extension cords should a consumer use? How can you tell if an extension cord is appropriate for the intended use?