Is your house wired for fire? Check these warning signs.

Electricity continues to be a leading cause of home fires, according to a new report from the National Fire Protection Association.

In 2007, an estimated 51,800 home structure fires called in to fire departments involved some type of electrical failure or malfunction. The fires resulted in 450 deaths, 1,640 injuries, and $1.2 billion in property damage.

The top causes of home electrical fires reported from 2003 through 2007 were faulty electrical systems followed by lamps and light fixtures, and extension cords. Another 20 percent were caused by ranges, washers or dryers, fans and space heaters.

The NFPA says a few tell-tale warning signs can help homeowners avoid such fires:

• Frequent or re-occurring issues with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. If a fuse opens or circuit breaker is tripped, be sure to investigate the cause before replacing the fuse or resetting the breaker.
• A tingling sensation when you touch an electrical appliance or other metal objects. Getting a shock when you touch appliances can indicate a more serious problem. Be sure to unplug the appliance and discontinue use.
• Discolored or warm wall outlets, or sparks from an outlet. This can indicate arcing, smoldering, burning happening behind your outlets, damaged or improperly installed wiring in the outlet, or a problem with the receptacle itself.
• A persistent burning smell coming from an appliance, room, or area can indicate that the appliance is overheating or malfunctioning. Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker.
• Flickering or dimming lights can indicate a short in the wiring, dangerous arcing, or an over-extension of your home's electrical systems.

If any of these things happen in your home, contact a qualified electrician to investigate the problem. While he's there, ask him to install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), a type of circuit breaker that shuts off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs.