Causes of Electrical Fires and How to Prevent Them

Home electrical fires account for approximately 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, over 1,400 injuries, and costly property damages.

Electricity is everywhere in a house, from the corners of rooms to the kitchen cabinets. Therefore, the potential for harm is high. It is important to be aware of electrical fire dangers and potential causes to learn how to avoid them. We will discuss some of the most common causes of electrical fires and how to prevent them.

Causes of Electrical Fire

1.     Faulty Electrical Outlets

A lot of electrical fires can be accredited to faulty outlets or worn-out sockets that are not grounded properly. As switches and outlets get older, the wiring behind them also wears.

Worn-out appliances tend to cause most electrical fires because they draw a lot of power, and units with damaged and frayed cords pose an additional risk of causing a fire.

2.     Outdated or Worn-out Electrical Wiring​

Suppose a home is over 20 years old; it may not have the wiring capacity to handle the raised amounts of electrical appliances in today’s average home, such as wide-screen televisions, computers, video players, microwaves, and air conditioners. Older home wiring tends to heat up quickly and catch fire. The outdated wiring cannot handle the increased power load.

3.     Cords and Overloaded Circuits

Plugging too many appliances into one Power point or a single extension cord can cause a short circuit and an electrical fire.

It creates an excessive power load on a single socket which it may not be designed to handle. The circuit will become overloaded, putting your home at serious risk of an electric fire.

4.     Old Appliances

Old appliances with frayed cords or loose or faulty wiring can catch fire easily. Older appliances may not be up to standard for wattage usage, safety regulations, and material quality. Stoves, toasters, fridges, and all the other appliances you can find in your kitchen are at risk of potentially starting electrical fires.

5.     Light Fixtures

light fixtures and faulty lamps also frequently result in fires. Installing a light bulb with a wattage that’s too high for the light fixture could cause an electrical fire. Ensure to always check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on any light fixture or lamp and never go over the recommended amount.

6.     Portable Heaters

Placing your portable heater next to rugs, curtains, beds, couches, and the like is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. The nature of a portable heater means there is possibility for them to be moved within close proximity of these combustible objects. Coil space heaters are the most dangerous as the coils become so hot that they quickly ignite nearby flammable sources.

Tips to Prevent Electrical Fire

• Inspect and replace electrical wiring: Have your home’s electric wiring checked to prevent electrical fires. Home wiring does not last forever, so it is good to have your wiring checked if your home is more than ten years old. Call a qualified electrician who follows the National Electrical Code to inspect and replace frayed, worn out, or tattered wiring.
• Choose heavy-duty extension cords:  When using extension cords, be sure to use only heavy-duty ones that are rated for the wattage of the appliance or tool you will be using. Avoid usinglight-duty extension cords as they can overheat and cause an electrical fire.
• Do not overload outlets:  One of the leading causes of electrical fires is overloaded outlets. Do not plug too many appliances or gadgets into one outlet as this can cause a fire. Use only the correct size and type of fuse for your circuit breaker box.
• Use portable heaters safely: If you are using a portable heater, keep it away from any flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, clothing, and paper. Do not leave the heater on when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Check the plugs on electrical appliances:  Check the plugs on all electrical appliances in your home, such as toasters, irons, hairdryers, and coffee makers. If the plug is damaged or has exposed wires, do not use the appliance and have it repaired or replaced by a professional electrician.
• Keep flammable materials away from electrical outlets:  Do not store flammable liquids, such as gasoline, near electrical outlets. Also, keep any flammable materials, such as paper or fabric, at least three feet away from heaters and other heat appliances.
• Use surge protectors: Use a surge protector for all electronic equipment, such as computers and televisions. This will help protect your devices from power surges that can cause an electrical fire.
• Ensure light fixtures are installed correctly: Ensure to install all light fixtures in your home correctly and do not overload them.. Replace light fixtures that are old or damaged.

Speak to CNA Electricians for Electrical Inspections

The key factors to preventing electrical fires in your home are understanding, looking out for common hazards, and asking for help from a professional electrician. CNA Electricians are here to help with all your electrical fire prevention and maintenance needs. CNA electricians are your source for electrical safety in the home. We can help you identify potential hazards and take steps to prevent an electrical fire. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.