Electrical fires are the cause of over 50,000 home fires in the U.S every year. But the real tragedy is that many of them are preventable by using safe electrical wiring. Unlike flames that were caused by candles or gas cookers, electrical fires often start hidden in the walls. Then, they spread silently before erupting into a disaster.
However, the good news is you can stop them before they start, and we’ll show you how. In this guide, we’ll discuss how you can prevent and detect electrical fires before it’s too late.
Common Causes of Electrical Fires
Electric fires are usually caused by these preventable issues:
- Faulty or outdated wiring: Poorly installed or aging electric wires are the primary cause of residential electrical fires. That’s because they’re prone to overheating and sparking.
- Overloaded Circuits: This happens when you plug too many high-wattage devices into one outlet. It strains the electrical system
- Damaged Cords: If the wiring is frayed, pinched, or chewed, it can create dangerous short-circuit risks
- Old Appliances: When the appliance’s motor or insulation is worn out, it can cause electrical fires
- Using the wrong light bulbs: If you use a light bulb that uses a higher wattage than what’s recommended, it may cause overheating, which leads to an electrical fire.
How to Prevent Electrical Fires?
Here are the ways you can prevent electrical fires from occurring in your residence:
Inspect & Maintain Electric Wires
- If you’re about to live in a home that was built before the 1980s, hire a licensed electrician to inspect its electrical system
- Be mindful of warning signs such as flickering lights, burning smells, or frequent breaker trips.
- Use fire-resistant cables for high-risk areas like the kitchen and attic.
Avoid Overloading the Circuits
- Avoid using daisy-chain extension cords. Instead, use UL-certified safe wires & cables as well as surge protectors.
- Calculate your home’s electrical load and distribute your high-wattage appliances across the circuits in your home
Appliance & Cord Safety
- Replace frayed cords immediately with heavy-duty, safe electrical installation-rated wires
- Keep your curtains, papers, and other flammables at least 3 feet away from your electric outlets
- Unplug devices that you’re not using to prevent phantom loads
Upgrade Outdated Systems
- Replace knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring with modern copper cables.
- Install AFCI/GFCI outlets near water sources and bedrooms to prevent shocks and fires.
- Use LED or low-heat lighting in closets and enclosed fixtures.
How to Detect Electrical Fires on Time?
Smoke Alarms
This is your first line of defense. You should install smoke alarms and electrical panels near your bedrooms, which are more prone to fires. We recommend testing them every month to make sure they’re functional and replacing the batteries once a year. For maximum protection, interconnect all the smoke alarms so they sound simultaneously during an emergency.
Thermal Imaging Inspections
A professional electrician can use thermal imaging cameras to scan your walls and electrical panels for “hot spots”—areas with excessive heat buildup. These infrared inspections will help to reveal hidden risks like overloaded wires or faulty connections long before they cause electrical fires. We recommend scheduling an inspection every 3-5 years for peace of mind.
Conclusion
No one should be the victim of a preventable electrical fire. To be on the safe side, we urge you to follow the prevention and detection tips we’ve shared. You can also explore the best cables for your home on Konn World. Let’s give your home the protection it deserves.