Beware of faulty home appliances that can lead to claims on your Maine homeowners insurance

Maine homeowners insurance coverage provides compensation for property damaged or lost by fire. Many claims on homeowner’s insurance relate to fires that originate in faulty electrical appliances. 

Although some home appliances fail suddenly without warning, many appliances that develop faults give out signs and symptoms. Be alert to these early warning signals.

• Loose plugs and damaged or worn electrical cords are dangerous.
• Sparks are signs of trouble.
• Outlet faceplates that are warm to touch may indicate an overloaded electrical circuit and may also be a sign of a faulty appliance.
• Smoke or a smell of burning coming from an appliance may be signs of fault.
• A circuit breaker tripping or a fuse blowing when you use an appliance may indicate a fault.

Remember that fire and water are a dangerous mix; don’t try to put out an electrical fire by dowsing it with water. Although Maine homeowners insurance may provide compensation if a faulty electrical appliance causes a fire and damages property, your highest priority must be your personal safety. The signs we have described indicate that an electrical appliance may have developed a fault. Unplug the appliance in question immediately you notice any of these signs, and have it repaired by a licensed electrical contractor before you use it again.

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