How Do Electrical Fires Start?

How do electrical fires start and what can homeowners do to prevent these dangerous situations?

Common Causes Of Electrical Fires

Knowing the potential causes of an electrical fire can help you avoid disaster at home. Common factors contributing to residential electrical fires are detailed below.

1. Light Fixtures

Lightbulbs, light fittings, and lamps can all be responsible for causing these fires. It’s crucial for all homeowners to follow the wattage guidelines for all lamps and light fixtures. Never exceed the recommended amount.

Lightbulbs with too high a wattage can start dangerous fires. Placing materials like paper or cloth over the lampshades can also start these fires. Refrain from ever attempting to cover your lampshades.

2. Extension Leads

When a large number of appliances are plugged into extension leads it can create an excessive power load on a single socket that may be overwhelmed. Try to always plug large appliances directly into outlets.

Extension leads should only be used as temporary measures. Call a professional electrician to install additional outlets in your home if you need more for your appliances.

3. Faulty Sockets And Outlets

Typically, the majority of electrical fires result from faulty outlets and/or worn out sockets. The wiring behind sockets will wear out over time. The wires will loosen and can eventually break, creating an electrical fire.

4. Old Wiring

Older homes may not feature wiring that can handle increased needs of electrical appliances these days. Generally, breakers are triggered when a circuit is overloaded with too much electricity, yet the old breaker boxes may have worn connectors. This can ultimately cause your system to overload and catch fire.

5. Worn Out Appliances

Just like outdated wiring, older appliances can become a fire hazard. They may not be up to standard when it comes to wattage usage, safety regulations, and material quality.

Worn out appliances can have worn cords that can send heat onto combustible surfaces like rugs, curtains, and floors. The grounding plug should never be removed from a cord so it can be used in a two-prong outlet.

6. Portable Heaters

Never use portable heaters for an extended amount of time or overnight. You should also refrain from placing the heaters on any combustible surfaces.

It’s suggested to opt for a radiator type heater rather than a coil space heater. The coils can get very hot, easily igniting nearby flammable surfaces.

How To Prevent Electrical Fires

The best way to prevent home fires is to have an electrician inspect the home to make sure it meets the safety provisions in the NEC. Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for the lamp or fixture. Refrain from overloading outlets and never use extension cords with air conditioners or heating units.

Pay attention for any signs of a potential fire, including buzzing sounds, flickering lights and circuit breakers that trip frequently. Check to see if wires wear or fray over time. Call an electrician if you see smoke or smell anything burning as part of an appliance, cord, outlet or plug.

Get out of the house as soon as possible if you cannot put the fire out yourself. Make sure to close the door when you leave in order to contain the fire. Call 911 as soon as you are a safe distance from the heat. Refrain from entering the house until it has been deemed safe by firefighters.

SHIELD’S ELECTRIC IN TEMPE, ARIZONA