Commercial property fires may start for a whole host of reasons, and they can quickly get out of control if you’re unprepared. But one thing that gets overlooked by many building operators is how their cords and cables are managed.
Tangled wires or wires running haphazardly across the floor—or even underneath rugs—can be a big problem. Read on to learn a little bit more about cable management fire hazards.
Why is cable mismanagement an issue?
Cable management should be a priority throughout your commercial facility. Here are a few problems mismanaged cables can pose:
- Tripping: Trips and falls are much more likely when you have cords haphazardly running across the floor. This risk only increases in high-traffic areas where employees tend to move around a lot. Tripping over a cord might not start a fire, but it can lead to some painful injuries.
- Too many extension cords: One of the most common issues we see with cable mismanagement deals with extension cords. Extension cords are only meant to be used temporarily, not throughout the facility, for a variety of appliances. Having too many extension cords plugged into an outlet can cause a fire along with a tripping hazard.
- Abnormally hot areas: The more cords you have bunched up in a confined space, the hotter the area can get. With that heat increase comes a higher risk of a fire outbreak. As part of your electrical fire prevention plan, ensure that cords are spread evenly and have plenty of airflow.
What else causes electrical fires?
We’ve covered cable management fire hazards in depth, but as we noted above, many fire hazards are hiding in plain sight. Here are some of the most common causes of electrical fires not attributed to cable mismanagement:
- Faulty outlets: Following our advice on managing cables won’t help much if your outlets are faulty. If you notice sparks coming from outlets or any burn marks around them, call an electrician to update them right away.
- Misused appliances: Leaving heat-producing small appliances and electronics plugged in around the clock is a bad idea. Even if they’re newer, leaving them plugged in for prolonged periods can lead to a house fire.
- Space heaters: A space heater can come in handy on a cold day, but be careful where you place it. If a heater is too close to a curtain, upholstered furniture or other flammable objects, it can cause a fire. Additionally, avoid putting space heaters on carpeting or rugs.
- Outdated wiring: Commercials with outdated wiring are fire hazards waiting to happen. This old wiring can’t accommodate power requirements for many newer appliances and equipment, so it should be updated as soon as possible. Contact an electrician to see if your wiring is out of date.
How is your electrical system looking?
If you operate an older commercial facility or have had any electrical problems in the past, now’s a good time to schedule an inspection with Carpet Capital Fire Protection Inc. A thorough inspection will point out any problem areas and teach you more about electrical fire prevention.