Protecting Your Home from Electrical Fires

Don't overlook the threat of electrical fires. They can start quickly and cause devastating damage within your home. Electrical fire safety is vital. This article will equip you with the knowledge and tips needed to safeguard your property.

The Stark Reality: Electrical Fire Statistics

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical distribution and lighting equipment are consistently among the leading causes of home fires.

• Data:

  • Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019. (NFPA)

  • The US Fire Administration released data that in 2021, an estimated 24,200 residential building electrical fires were reported to United States fire departments. These fires caused an estimated 295 deaths, 900 injuries and over $1.2 billion in property loss.

Common Electrical Fire Hazards in Homes:

• Outdated Wiring:

  • Older homes often have wiring systems that were designed for a simpler era. They may struggle to handle the increased electrical load from today's appliances..  

  • Look for signs like flickering lights, frequently tripped breakers, and warm wall outlets.

• Overloaded Circuits:

  • Overloading circuits by plugging too many devices into a single outlet or extension cord can cause overheating and fires.  

  • Avoid "daisy-chaining" extension cords.

• Faulty Appliances and Cords:

  • Damaged or frayed electrical cords and malfunctioning appliances are a major fire hazard.  

  • Inspect cords regularly for damage and replace any that are frayed or worn.

• Loose Connections:

  • Loose electrical connections in outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures can create sparks and heat, leading to fires.  

• Misuse of Extension Cords:

  • Extension cords are designed for temporary use only. Prolonged use or running them under rugs or furniture can cause overheating.  

• Lighting Hazards:

  • make sure that bulbs are the correct wattage for their lighting fixtures.

What Homeowners and Renters Can Do:

• Regular Inspections:

  • Visually inspect electrical cords, outlets, and switches for damage.

  • Periodically check for signs of overheating, such as warm outlets or flickering lights.

• Use Power Strips Wisely:

  • Use power strips with surge protectors to prevent overloaded circuits.

  • Avoid overloading power strips.

• Replace Damaged Cords and Appliances:

  • Replace damaged electrical cords immediately.

  • Have malfunctioning appliances repaired by a qualified technician or replace them.

• Install Smoke Detectors:

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly.

  • Replace smoke detector batteries regularly.

• Avoid Overloading Circuits:

  • Distribute electrical loads evenly across circuits.

  • Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances into the same outlet.

• Know When to Call an Expert:

  • If you experience any of the following, call a qualified electrician like Jaeger Electric:

    • Frequently tripped breakers or blown fuses.

    • Flickering lights or dimming lights.

    • Warm outlets or switches.

    • Burning smells from outlets or appliances.

    • Sparking or arcing from electrical components.

    • if you have a home that has old style fuse boxes, that should be replaced with modern circuit breaker boxes.

Reduce your risk of electrical fires: stay informed, take precautions, and know when to call an electrician.