Insulating your house against electrical fire dangers

A few weeks ago, we listed the top causes of electrical accidents and told you about newer, safer electric outlets. Still, even if you heed all our warnings and take all the proper precautions, accidents and electrical mishaps can happen.

The right insulation installation can help keep a mishap from becoming a catastrophe. Don't let any insulation touch bare wires, and keep insulation fibers out of electrical outlet boxes. Also take particular care with insulation in the garage and attic.

Garage insulation
Many homeowners don't take fire safety as seriously in the garage, even though it may be the most dangerous part of the house. We keep oil-soaked rags, flammable chemicals, overloaded outlets and spark-generating power tools all in close proximity. Then we don't necessarily insulate and finish the garage properly.

Home inspectors say garages without fire walls and fire doors are perhaps the most common code violation and safety hazard in homes they check. To make a garage safer, add insulation and drywall, and seal every drywall seam with tape to avoid exposed insulation.

Pretty much any type of insulation can burn in the right circumstances. Cellulose insulation and polyurethane rigid-board insulation can smolder and even burn regardless of the fire retardant chemical additives. There are urban legends among remodeling contractors about leaving a flashlight on in an attic during a lunch break, then coming back to an attic fire. Fiberglass is made of sand, and is essentially fireproof. However, the kraft paper facing on fiberglass insulation may be very flammable. It should always be covered with drywall.

Attic insulation
Another electric safety threat is the attic insulation around recessed light fixtures and other electric devices that either produce heat or can become very hot in the case of a malfunction. Halogen lights are particularly dangerous because they get very hot.

Insulation batts should not sit directly on top of recessed light fixtures in the ceiling. Likewise, for blown-in insulation, create a cylinder of flashing at least four inches wider than the light fixture diameter. Check each fixture after blowing in the insulation to make sure none of the material is trapped inside the flashing and around the light.

If the insulation smolders or ignites, the smoke will be above your smoke detectors, and is blowing into the attic, so you may not notice the problem in time to prevent a dangerous fire.

Be safe and smart with insulation, particularly in the garage and attic, to help prevent electrical fires.

Posted by: Steve Graham