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Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical malfunctions resulted in over 24,000 residential fires, causing $1.2 billion in property losses in 2021 alone.
These types of fires are dangerous as they often spread quickly and are difficult to control. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes electrical fires and how you can prevent them from occurring in your home or office.
What Is an Electrical Fire?
An electrical fire is caused by faulty or damaged electrical wiring, equipment, or appliances. These fires occur when an electrical current overheats a circuit or wiring, causing it to ignite and spread throughout the surrounding area.
It only takes 30 seconds for a small electrical fire to escalate into a full-blown inferno, so it’s crucial to identify and address potential hazards in your property.
In the next section, we’ll discuss what causes electrical fires and tips for preventing them.
5 Most Common Causes of Electrical Fires (And How to Prevent Them)
Detection is key when it comes to preventing electrical fires. Here’s what causes electrical fires and how you can avoid them:
1. Old or Faulty Wiring
Old or damaged wiring struggles to hold the proper amount of electrical current, causing it to overheat and ignite. Moreover, they are no longer suitable with most modern appliances, so they are likely to cause fires due to overload.
Some warning signs that indicate the need for replacing your old wiring, such as:
- Frequent partial or full power outages
- Flickering lights or minor power surges
- Excessive heat coming from electrical devices or appliances
- Unexplained burning odor
- Outlets or appliances emitting sparks or shocks
If you suspect any issues, it is best to consult a licensed electrician for proper inspection and repair.
2. Misused Extension Leads
Overloading occurs when too many high-wattage appliances are plugged into the same extension lead. This can cause the extension lead to overheat and cause a fire.
You can stop this from happening by:
- Never daisy chain extension leads by plugging one into another
- Use extension leads with built-in surge protectors
- Avoid using extension leads for high-wattage appliances like refrigerators or space heaters
- Check for frayed or damaged wires before plugging in any extension lead
3. Old or Faulty Appliances
Similar to old wiring, outdated or damaged appliances can also cause an electrical fire as they may not be up to current safety standards, wattage usage, and material quality.
Common culprits for fires are appliances with damaged cords, cracked sockets, and faulty switches. You can prevent fires from faulty appliances by:
- Unplugging appliances when not in use
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wattage usage and maintenance
- Replacing old appliances with new, up-to-date models
4. Portable or Space Heaters
Portable heaters should never be used for extended periods since they draw a lot of power and can easily overload outlets and extension leads.
Choosing a radiator-type heater rather than a coil space heater is recommended, as the coils get extremely hot and can easily ignite flammable objects.
Follow these tips to use portable heaters safely:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items like curtains, sofas, or bedding
- Turn off and unplug space heaters when not in use
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet to avoid overloading
5. Overused Light Fixtures and Fittings
Light fixtures are the most commonly used electrical components in any home. However, most people don’t realize that each light fixture has a maximum wattage limit to prevent overheating and fires.
To avoid fires from overused light fixtures:
- Use energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs
- Avoid placing any flammable objects near or on lighting fixtures
- Regularly clean and maintain your light fixtures for proper functioning
How to Put Out an Electric Fire
Unlike a pit fire, an electrical fire is difficult to put out with water, as it can conduct electricity and lead to electrocution or further spread.
Instead, use an extinguisher for electrical fire within its expiration date and up to code. If you don’t have one available, try sprinkling baking soda or using a heavy blanket to suppress the fire.
If the fire continues to spread, evacuate your home immediately and call 911 for professional help.
Restore Your Home to Pre-Fire Condition
In the unfortunate event of an electrical fire, it is crucial to have a reliable and professional restoration company by your side. Restoration 1 of Cary offers top-notch fire restoration services for residential and commercial properties.
Our certified technicians are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to handle fire damage and restore your home to pre-damage condition.
Contact Restoration 1 of Cary’s 24/7 emergency response line at (847) 558-1017 for fire damage emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an electrical fire smell like?
An electrical fire smells like burning rubber or plastic, similar to the smell of melting wires.
What should I do if I suspect an electrical fire?
If you notice sparks, flames, smoke, or a burning smell from an outlet or appliance, unplug it, turn off power, and call 911 for help.
How often should I have my electrical wiring inspected?
It is recommended to have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s electrical wiring every ten years or during any major renovations or upgrades.
Contact Restoration 1 of Cary For Your Fire Restoration 1 Needs
When you have experienced a fire on your property, it’s best to get in touch with seasoned professionals who will be able to address the damage and ensure your space is safe and inhabitable again.
