Every year, hundreds of thousands of families find themselves stranded after losing their homes in electrical fires. Whether it’s a room or two that must be restored or the entire structure that goes up in flames, these fires are dangerous to both property and lives.
Most of these fires can be prevented, by knowing what to look for or calling a licensed electrician.
That’s why we want to outline three very common but often overlooked causes of electrical fires so you can fix the problem before it’s too late.
1. Faulty Wiring
Behind your perfectly painted walls are tons of wires that run throughout your home to provide power for lights, electronics, and more. But with every wire comes the chance for an issue, which is why faulty wiring is one of the most common issues seen by our electricians and leads to tons of electrical fires each year.
‘Faulty wiring’ is a term that can be used as a catch-all term for a lot of different wiring issues. For example, wires that are frayed at the edges due to age or incorrect installation are at a higher risk for causing a fire.
The same applies to wires that are poorly connected. Some common signs that you may have faulty wiring are flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or light bulbs burning out quickly.
2. Dangerous Outlets
Improperly installed and/or grounded outlets can pose a huge electrical fire risk. Have you ever unplugged your phone or other device and realized the outlet plate is warm to the touch? That’s never a good sign and means that it’s even hotter inside the wall.
Not only could an electrical fire start, but the device itself could catch fire or even explode! If you notice any warmth at all, you should avoid using the outlet and call an electrician immediately.
As a general rule, it’s also important to remember not to obstruct these outlets with furniture or other decor, especially if they are in use.
3. Overloaded circuits
A breaker will flip as a safety measure when there’s too much electrical current. Do yours seem to flip every time you turn something on or plug something new in? Chances are that the circuits are overloaded with too many devices pulling power.
The same principle applies if you have too many electronics plugged into an extension cord – you’re asking for trouble. If you’re not sure where to start to reduce stress on your circuits, a trained electrician can easily guide you.
Time to Call an Electrician
Trying to DIY electrical issues in your home is never advised as it is a highly complex and dangerous trade that carries high risk. Instead, you should reach out to our team of expert electricians at the first sign of trouble like any we mentioned above like circuit flipping, electrical buzzing, or lights flickering.
Emergency Preparedness
Everyone in your household should know how to respond in the unlikely event of an electrical fire. The number one rule when battling these outbreaks is never to use water!
Instead, be sure your home is equipped with the appropriate fire extinguishers and check them regularly. Remind everyone in the household on occasion how to use them and where they’re located.
Additionally, you could invest in a fire blanket. These handy gadgets can be kept in small locations and pulled out at a moment’s notice. You simply throw it over the top and it deprives the fire of oxygen until it’s out.
Finally, be sure everyone knows the evacuation plan if the fire gets out of control and everyone needs to leave the home.
Don’t Wait for a Spark- Know the Signs
The convenience of electricity unfortunately comes with a risk. By understanding three of the most common yet often missed culprits of electrical issues, you can spot small problems before they become big issues and cause power outages or even electrical fires.
Wayne Electricians You Can Count On
Questions about your electrical service or safety? Bratcher Electric provides licensed, insured electrical service in Wayne, MI and surrounding areas. From repairs and panel upgrades to safety inspections and lighting, we keep homes and businesses safe and code compliant. Call today for a free consultation.