The US Fire Administration report says that with more than 47,800 cases of home structures fires per year since 2007, and almost 50% of this number is caused by electrical distribution equipment malfunctions like wiring, outlets, switches, light bulbs, cords or plug problems. These reported cases led to over 455 civilian deaths and with about $1.5 billion in direct property damage. This only suggests that electrical fires, especially those caused by our commonly used electrical equipment, are seriously dangerous. It is also important to note that electrical fires make up a significant portion of all house fires in the US according to statistics. So, to better understand how to prevent electrical fires from happening whether at home or your business, it is crucial to know what the common causes of electrical fires are.
Electrical Fires and Common Causes
Faulty Outlets. Faulty electrical outlets and those old, outdated appliances are the most common causes of electrical fires.
Space Heaters. Given the structure of these types of heaters, that being portable, most if not all people tend to place such near combustible areas like curtains, chairs, rugs, etc. Coil space, particularly, is very prone to ignite because the coils will turn hot.
Wiring. Old and outdated wires which go a long way back may no longer have the same wiring capacity to handle or sustain the average home electrical consumption nowadays.
Extension Cords. Improper use of extension cords can potentially lead to serious damages and worse, fatalities. While it is okay to use this type of equipment, it is still a best practice to directly plug the appliances into outlets.
Prevention at Home
Electrical fires are indeed hazardous in nature but make no mistake- it is preventable. These tips will help you prevent electrical fires in your home or business.
1. Surge Protectors. This device’s main job is to protect electronic appliances from surges. It guards against the damage that sudden power surges can cause. This usually happens when there is a power spike that can shorten the life of the devices or appliances or worse, wipe out all stored data especially in cases of desktop computers, televisions, or mobile phones. This is also a great solution if you need to plug multiple components without having to think about overloading.
2. Properly Store Flammable Materials. Anything that can trigger a fire such as blanket, rug, carpet or cleaning agents and supplies must be kept away from electrical outlets or appliances.
3. Check and Replace Old Wires. Conducting a regular wiring inspection at your home or business will help you identify fire hazards right away. Those that are ripped, broken or tattered may spark a fire. It is important to replace these old wires with new ones to prevent any electrical malfunctions and fires.
4. Get a Trusted Electrician/Electrical Contractor. Not only will the safety of your home or business be guaranteed with a trusted electrician but having someone regularly inspect and troubleshoot any electrical problems increases your confidence as a home/business owner knowing that everything meets the structure’s codes and standards.
Advance Electric Inc. has been helping communities in Augusta Georgia build safer commercial and residential buildings. Trusted by the majority since 1998, we have improved lives by ensuring their homes and buildings are electrical fireproof.
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