Guide To Electrical Safety: Top Causes of Electrical Fires and How to Prevent Them

Electricity powers everything  from heating systems to home appliances but it comes with real risks. Electrical fires are a common hazard that spread quickly, resulting in extensive property damage and serious injuries.

According to a report, around 24,000 residential building electrical fires were reported to the United States Fire Department from the year 2014 to 2016. Given the statistics, it’s necessary to understand the telltale signs of electrical fires and what measures to take. This guide will help identify the origins of electrical fires and what preventative mechanisms to apply. 

Common Causes Of Electrical Fires 

Electrical fires can be catastrophic, leading to mass property damage, serious injuries, and even death in some cases. Understanding the origin of electrical fires can be vital in implementing preventative measures to ensure electrical safety. 

Several factors may lead to an electrical fire, including faulty electrical outlets, outdated electrical appliances or panels, frayed or damaged wiring, and misuse of extension cords and space heaters. Let’s study them closely. 

1. Faulty Wiring: 

Outdated wiring is a leading source of electrical fires, particularly in homes over 20 years old. Wires contract and expand under the strain of electricity- this constant wear and tear leads to damaged or frayed wiring which is unequipped to meet modern electrical demands. This can lead to overloaded outlets, sparking, or, in some cases, an electrical fire. 

2. Overloading Outlets & Circuits 

The primary danger of an overloaded circuit is the risk of an electrical fire. Air conditioners or multiple appliances plugged together draw excessive current, resulting in melted insulation, sparks, and, in severe cases, an electrical fire. 

3. Multiple Extension Cords

Extension cords are a convenient way to power faraway electrical appliances. However, this practice leads to overloading circuits and the risk of a fire hazard. Use extension cords temporarily, as you may overload your circuit by plugging in multiple appliances. If you have any doubts about the durability of extension cords, consult a licensed electrician to install extra outlets. 

4. Portable Space Heaters

Space heaters consist of components that provide warmth by converting electricity into heat. The radiation from such elements may cause flammable surfaces like curtains, beds, or couches to catch fire. 

5. Light Fixtures:

You may not think so, but light fixtures, lamps, and light bulbs are frequent causes of electrical fires. Unknowingly screwing high-wattage bulbs into light fixtures or bulb sockets may lead to an electrical fire. Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum bulb wattage before screwing in a light bulb. 

6. Old Appliances 

Outdated or faulty appliances draw large amounts of power, leading to charred or overloaded outlets. Be sure to inspect the appliance before use: look for frayed wires, melted insulation, and loose plugs to prevent overloading any outlets. 

7. Loose Plugs 

One of the popular causes of electrical fires is loose-fitting plugs. When a plug doesn’t firmly fit inside the receptacle, it can lead to arcing or sparks. The sparks can land on flammable materials, potentially igniting a fire. To prevent this, you may need the assistance of an electrician to ensure your plugs fit snugly in their outlets. 

How to Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home

Here are some safety measures you can implement to make your home fireproof. 

1. Don’t Overload Your Outlets

By distributing your electrical load, you can prevent the possibility of an electrical fire. Avoid resorting to extension outlets as a permanent solution; instead, collaborate with your local electrician to install additional electrical outlets for enhanced electrical accessibility. 

2. Unplug Unused Appliances:

Leaving unused electric appliances plugged in can drain electricity, contributing to high utility bills and the risk of an electric fire. It’s a good precaution to unplug small appliances like toaster ovens, curling irons, or light fixtures before you leave your home. This way, you can save yourself the expense and worry of potential electrical hazards. 

3. Keep Flammable Materials Away 

Avoid pushing your couches or hiding your receptacles behind curtains. While some outlets may be deemed safe, it’s recommended to clear the path of any obstructions. A faulty outlet may generate more heat than usual or emit sparks that may ignite a fire in nearby flammable materials like couches, beds, or other electrical appliances. It’s best to ensure your outlets are left with open space to prevent the risk of an electrical fire. 

4. Reduce Space Heater Usage

CPSC estimates that portable heaters, including electric space heaters, were involved in an average of 1,700 fires yearly. Electric heaters are renowned for drawing excessive power and overloading circuits, which may ignite a fire. It’s best to adhere to safety regulations or limit your use of electric space heaters to prevent the risk of an electrical fire. 

5. Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection 

There are various causes of electrical fires, which you can keep a look out for to prevent the risk of an electrical fire. However, there are some indicators that only a trained eye can identify to ensure electrical safety. It’s recommended to schedule an electrical safety inspection to inspect your electrical panel or wiring to ensure they align with modern safety standards. 

What To Do Next to Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home?

Don't risk your property or peace of mind by worrying about potential electrical hazards. Randy's Electric offers reliable electrical safety inspection services that align with rigid electrical safety standards to make your home safe. Contact us today, and our licensed electricians will inspect every part of your electrical system, from the panel to the wiring, to provide peace of mind for you and your family.