Fire investigators from Renton Fire & Emergency Services determined that a house fire which occurred on Sept. 29, 2014 was the result of the overloading or malfunction of an electric plug strip.
“We’re thankful that no one was injured and recognize the hard work of the men and women of Renton Fire & Emergency Services in bringing the fire under control quickly,” said Fire Chief Mark Peterson.
This fire highlights the need to follow safety precautions when using power strip devices.
Renton Fire & Emergency Services offers these safety tips for using power strips:
• Never overload a circuit.
• Know the circuit’s capacity and the power requirements of all items plugged into the power strip.
• Reliance on power strips is an indication of an inadequate number of outlets to address power requirements. Have additional outlets installed if needed.
• A surge suppressor only protects the items plugged into the suppressor, not the circuit itself.
• Do not chain power strips or extension cords together.
• Ensure all power strips and extension cords are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and follow manufacturer’s directions for use.