The Top 6 Causes of Electrical Fires and how to prevent them

Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage.

It is important to be aware of the dangers and potential causes of electrical fires in order to learn how to avoid them. In this blog, we will look at some of the most common causes of electrical fires and how to prevent them.

1. Common Electrical Outlets​

2. Outdated or Worn-out Electrical Wiring​ 

If you see any frayed electrical cords, they need to be replaced immediately by an electrician. These exposed cords that run along your floor or in your walls can be incredibly dangerous if they spit out a spark.

3. ​Cords and Electrical Circuit Overloads

4. Old Appliances:​

Old appliances that have frayed cords or loose or faulty wiring can catch fire. Moreover, due to the high flammability of old insulation used in these appliances, a simple electrical repair to address these issues may not be enough. It's best to purchase updated appliances to ensure your safety.

Having older appliances risks the possibility that they may not be up to standard when it comes to wattage usage, material quality, and safety regulations. Stoves, toasters, fridges, all the things you can find in your kitchen are at risk for potentially starting electrical fires. Another issue with appliances and their correlation with fire, happens when multiple appliances are plugged into extension cords or power strips that do not have the capacity to withstand the large amount of energy that appliances need.

Call an electrician to install appliance-grade outlets that are designed for the kind of appliance and home that you have. Electricians can also install ground fault circuit interrupters that act as surge protectors to keep your house safe. 

5. Light Fixtures:​ 

6. Portable Heaters:

Be conscious of where you place your space heaters in the wintertime, and never leave it on for an extended period of time, especially when you are sleeping or have left the house. Placing your portable heater next to curtains, rugs, beds, couches, and the like is one of the most common causes of fires.

If you do use space heaters, use the radiator-type that diffuses heat over the entire surface of the appliance. These are less likely to ignite flammable items, but should still be kept away from them.

Tips for Fire Safety:

• Repair or replace loose outlets as soon as you notice them. You may be able to tighten the wire nuts to improve the connection, or you may need to replace the outlet.
• Call a qualified electrician who follows the National Electrical Code to look over your home and replace old wiring.
• Get an expert to conduct a thorough electrical safety audit of your wiring, external power panels, and electrical wall outlets.
• Contact your security system company to install good-quality smoke detector alarms and fire extinguishers to bolster your chances of surviving any electrical fire, saving lives, and minimizing damage.
• Choose heavy-duty extension cords for every application. Lay the cord out of the way where no one will step on it. Don't run cords under floor rugs, which could generate excessive heat. Never permanently rely on extension cords. If you don't have enough outlets, have an electrician install more of them.
• Pay attention to your appliances. Check cords for excessive heat or exposed wires. If a device makes strange noises or operates improperly, don't wait until the cord catches on fire – repair or replace it immediately!
• Buy appliances that use quality materials, and follow approved safety standards.
• Ensure that all light bulbs and lighting devices are plugged into electrical sockets that match the prescribed wattage. Be careful not to overload light fixtures, and replace ones that seem to get excessively hot when lit.
• Avoid using extension cords for lighting purposes. Replace cords that are frayed or damaged.
• If your lights flicker or won't stay lit and you've ruled out light switch problems, replace these fixtures as soon as possible.
• Never decorate a lamp with paper or cloth that could ignite, and keep fixtures away from textiles, like bedding or curtains.
• Ensure that inflammable materials are positioned well away from portable space heaters. Better still, use radiation heaters that do not catch fire on direct contact.
• To reduce the risk of starting a fire when using a portable heater, only use an up-to-date model that includes all modern safety features. Make sure you have the appropriate-sized unit for the room you wish to heat. Position the heater away from areas of foot traffic, as well as furniture, curtains, bedding, and anything flammable.
• As with other appliances, plug it directly into a wall outlet. Use a heater only as directed and don't leave a unit running when you aren't present.