Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-04-29
EIECTRICITY

BENJAMIN Franklin did much to
advance the cause OF electricity, but
he certainly neglected to provide the
Herewith" to prevent fires due to
this cause. Just our co-called do
nestle electricity" is causing 7.42
per cent of our losses by fire, with
lightning adding 3.5 per cent more.
Electrical fires may be due to our
own carelessness in the use of it; or
1t may be due to either faulty de-
sign or material in the installation.
A serious fire occurred in the bus
mess district Of Pullman a few years
ago due to an electric pressing iron
being left on the table with the cur
rent turned on The operator neg
lected to turn off the current. That
business house now has a standing
order that the electric iron must he
placed on top of steam radiator
when not in use This not only
eliminates the danger from combus-
tible material but necessitates dis
connecting the iron from the cir
cult.
During the past week in ono Of
the Pullman homes an electric iron
was left unattended while some lit
tie job was done. When discovered,
the ironing board was beginning to
scorch. Another man has confided
that he has already had two fires in
his home from this cause.
If the pressing iron is left unat-
tended, even for a minute, discon-
meet it from the circuit, Play safe.
California is having an epidemic
of fires due to electric lights on es
tension cords being used as bed
warmers. Incandescent bulbs set
hot enough to cause a fire if in con-
tact with combustible material.
The homemade paper light shade is
cheap and convenient, but is not
safe unless it is so made that it does
not come in contact with the bulb.
Electric grills, when left unattend-
ed have been known to ignite the
woodwork they are resting on. The
zinc table covering is not of mucn
protection in this case for it melts
at a fairly low temperature. 4
heavy asbestos pad is much the safer.
Electrical devices of all kinds are
somewhat like the gun that wasn't
loaded" and should be handled as
such.
Many of the houses were wired at
a time when lights were the only
domestic use Of electricity. The
same house now will be using an
electric grill, possibly an electric
sweeper. an electric range. an elec-
trio washing machine, an electric
sewing machine and an electric iron.
All of these appliances tend to in
crease the load carried by the wires.
If the house wiring has been subject
ed to heavier load than it was de-
signed to carry, overheating is apt
to occur il the fuses don't elbow"
Frequent blowing of fuse plugs is
the first indication of an overload
Don't buy heavier fuses or put coin
in the fuse socket. You might as
we'll tie down the safety valve of a
steam boiler. Instead, consult the
company furnishing the current
Their protection is your safety, and
they will advise you.
Electric lights on extension cords
should be used around an automo-
bile with utmost care. \ broken
bulb in an atmosphere of gasoline
has frequently resulted in a disacter
Lamp guards are on the market for
such portable lights, which eliminate
the danger.
An electric light on an extension
cord is dangerous at the best, but
when that cord is strung across a
metal pipe, it is certainly courtae
trouble
If you are having any wiring done
see to it that you get a skilled cleo
trician. Cheap wiring by unsklleC
labor may prove expensive in tn.
end.
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