Common Causes of Electrical Fires
Electrical safety is something every household should take seriously. Every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are 24,000 electrical fires in the United States. Fortunately, your family doesn't have to fall victim to destructive, deadly fire: not when you take steps to prevent them. Here are some of the most common causes of electrical fires.
Faulty Wiring
Outdated electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires resulting in electrical short and arc faults. Examples of old wiring include:
Two-prong outlets
Damaged receptacles
Knob-and-tube wiring
Fuses instead of breakers
In 1971, two-prong outlets were no longer acceptable to use in new builds or renovations. These outlets are so dangerous because they lack grounding, making them unable to move electricity when an unstable current exists safely. If your house was built before 1971 and still has two-prong outlets, call an electrical service like Wirenut Home Services to upgrade the outlets to three-prong.
Extension Cord Usage
Many households rely on extension cords to power electronics and other equipment because they don't have enough outlets. While extension cords are great for temporary use, they're not intended for long-term needs. Extension cords draw more power from circuits than the circuit is designed to give. Call an electrician to install more outlets in your home if you use extension cords because you don't have enough outlets.
Space Heaters
Did you know most electrical fires happen during winter? Statistics gathered by the U.S. Fire Administration show electrical fires occur most during January when people use more heating appliances like space heaters. Space heaters warm up rooms quickly, but you must use them wisely. Consider the following when using one of these heating appliances:
Never leave the space heater unattended
Don't use space heaters with damaged cords
Keep the heater at least three feet away from flammable objects like curtains, bedding, and furniture
Turn off the space heater when you leave the room
Light Fixtures
Light fixtures can spark an electrical fire when you use the wrong bulb. Check the wattage requirements on the light fixture and never install a bulb that exceeds the fixture's limits. For example, if a lamp takes a 60-watt bulb, you can use a 40-watt but not a 100-watt bulb. Also, avoid placing towels or sheets over light fixtures to create a dimming effect. Instead, install a dimming bulb.
Schedule an Electrical Inspection
Whether your home is decades old or a newer build, it's always a good idea to have its electrical system inspected every few years. During inspections, you can speak with the electrician about concerns you have regarding outlet usage, AFCI circuit breaker installation, and more.
Your household doesn't have to fall victim to electrical fires. You can use your electricity safely with a bit of electrical safety know-how and careful usage. For more information about electrical fire prevention and residential electrical services, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram.
