Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of all fires across the country. In fact, there are more than 51,000 electrical fires every year that result in 500 deaths.
And the reality is that despite how common electrical fires are, they’re generally preventable. Here are the most common causes of electrical fires.
Faulty wiring
When a home’s wires are damaged or worn out, the electrical system may struggle to keep up with power demands. Outdated wiring systems weren’t designed with today’s heavy-duty electricity usage in mind. This means that old systems will fail or malfunction if used with too many modern devices like flatscreen TVs, computers, phone chargers and air conditioners.
You may not be certain how old your home’s electrical system is. An electrician can analyze your home’s wiring system to see if it needs to be updated. If you don’t do this, you run the risk of starting an electrical fire. Signs that the electrical system is overworked include frequent power outages, flickering lights, unexplained burning smells and shocks or sparks emitting from outlets or appliances.
Light fixture overload
If you’re putting in a high wattage bulb in a light fixture that can’t support it, you’re taking a big risk. This is another leading cause of electrical fires. Make sure to only use the recommended bulbs for any light fixture.
Misusing extension cords
Never plug a large appliance like a refrigerator or an oven into an extension cord. If there isn’t a nearby outlet for the appliances, then you should have one installed. Extension cords are designed for using small amounts of power on a temporary basis. It’s easy to overload extension cords and start fires. Never plug one extension cord into another, either, as this can put a huge strain on the electrical outlets.
Lack of safety with space heaters
In some homes, the need for space heaters is a fact of life, but you need to treat these with care. Never put a space heater near combustible materials like bedding, curtains or furniture. You also want to avoid coil space heaters whenever possible. Instead, use liquid filled electric heaters. Also, don’t leave the space heater running for an extended period, such as when you’re sleeping or when you’ve left the house.
Faulty outlets
Another of the most common causes of electrical fires is the outlets themselves. Maintain good socket health by never using items with frayed or damaged cords, which can result in a power surge to the outlet. Don’t overload an outlet with surge protectors. Instead, only plug in a few devices at a time. Having too many devices plugged in will mean the outlet is overloaded.
How do you prevent electrical fires in your home? We hope we’ve answered that question and more! For the best in fire protection, check out all that Carpet Capital Fire Protection Inc. has to offer. We put our expertise in the industry to work for you, whether you need a new fire extinguisher for your business or a sprinkler system in your home. Give us a call right now to learn more.