Q: Do light fixtures and lamps really need to have specific wattage bulbs? Why?

A: Using bulbs with too high a wattage can cause lamps or fixtures to overheat, posing a fire hazard. You should not use bulbs with a higher wattage than those specified by the fixture manufacturer. The wattage required is usually imprinted on the fixture or lamp or included with the product packaging. If you are not sure where to find this rating, contact the manufacturer.

Q: Are the green metal boxes that house electrical lines in my neighborhood dangerous?

A: They are not usually dangerous because they are locked and maintained by the utility company. However, the casings are sometimes damaged by vandals, careless landscapers and sometimes weather. If you plan to dig or plant anywhere near electrical or other utilities, call the utility company first.

If you notice equipment damage, call the utility company and report it. Most importantly, teach your children never to play near these areas or touch them.

Q: I have heard that electrical fires are very common. Is this true?

A: Yes. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) electrical distribution equipment -including wiring, switches, outlets, cords and plugs, fuse and circuit breaker boxes, lighting fixtures and lamps - were the third leading cause of home fires and the second leading cause of fire deaths in the U.S. between 1994 and 1998 (the most recent statistics collected).

This resulted in more than 38,000 reported home electrical fires in 1998, resulting in 284 deaths, 1,184 injuries and $668.8 million in direct property damage.   The leading causes cited by the NFPA were: (1) ground fault or short circuits; (2) wiring, which caused one-third of home electrical distribution fires; and (3) cords and plugs, which caused 17% of electrical distribution fires and 28% of related deaths.

Q: What can I do to make sure my home is as safe from electrical fire hazards as possible?

A: There are a lot of small things you can do to improve safety in your home. Here are a few of them:

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• Use plastic safety covers on electrical outlets if you have small children or grandchildren.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets; plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• Avoid the use of devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, way from things that can burn. And, be sure to use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

Q: Which is better, a battery-powered smoke alarm or a hard-wired smoke alarm?

A: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), most homes have battery-powered smoke alarms that are not interconnected. Hard-wired smoke alarms with battery back-up are usually better because their power source is more reliable.   Remember to replace batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually at least once a year.   Another good option is to buy 10-year, extended-life, lithium-battery operated smoke alarms.

Thank goodness, more people use smoke alarms today. Still, nearly one-fourth of the home smoke alarms in reported fires aren't working. Usually it is because batteries were missing, worn out or disconnected.   Often, people disconnect them due to nuisance activation from cooking or bathroom steam.   If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old the NFPA recommends that you replace them. The NFPA also recommends having hard-wired

Interconnected smoke alarms installed by a qualified electrician to increase safety.

Q: I want to remodel my basement. Do I need a wiring schematic?

A: CALL SCHMIDT ELECTRIC, INC.   952-472-8643