Protecting your home and property is something that many people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about. Often planning and preventing disaster is something that falls to the wayside until it’s too late unfortunately. When it comes to our electrical systems and their ‘health’, this can be even more true.
Now, without getting too ‘doomy and gloomy’, it’s important to talk about, and learn about, electrical fires. Electrical fires are one of the most devastating disasters that can happen to a home or property owner. They threatened property, livelihood, and worst of all your life. However, luckily, electrical fires are among the most preventable disasters in a homeowner’s life.
So, let’s talk about electrical fires and all of the common ways they can start. This way you’ll know how to prevent them.
The Most Common Causes of Electrical Fires.
Electrical fires can be triggered in the blink of an eye. All it takes is one single spark and all of a sudden the blaze is ignited. This is why it’s crucial to keep your wiring in good condition and well maintained. This is because electrical fires can manifest as a result of a multitude of situations.
- Old/Worn Wiring –
Wiring is often something that most of us simply forget about. Out of sight, out of mind… Right? Well, unfortunately, that can be a disastrous mistake. Older homes and buildings often have very outdated wiring systems. With modern electrical output demands, older wiring can’t handle today’s loads. That is why it’s important to have your electrical wiring inspected and updated if your home is more than 20 years old. Always hire a professional to perform a full house electrical wiring inspection for best results.
- Old/Worn Appliances –
Old appliances are another leading cause of electrical fires. Over time appliances will begin to wear out and their wiring can become frayed and damaged from movement and use. This poses a significant safety hazard. In addition, older appliances are not built with modern safety regulations in place. It’s always good to inspect and maintain your older appliances regularly.
- Incompatible Lighting –
Unfortunately, you cannot simply buy a lightbulb and put it in any lamp that it will fit in. Different light fixtures have varying wattage output needs. Incompatible lightbulbs are a major cause of electrical fires starting. Always make sure that your lightbulbs are designed for your particular fixture before installing them and using them regularly.
- Space Heaters –
Portable space heaters are amazing for those cold and frigid days. However, they can pose a hazard if not properly placed and cared for. Always ensure that your heaters have proper safety mechanisms installed and that they are placed far away from flammable materials and children or pets.
- Damaged Outlets –
Electrical outlets are ground zero for almost all electrical fires. This is because they are often left unmaintained over time. Electrical outlets can experience general wear and tear just like anything else. Always closely inspect your outlets on a regular basis. Look for signs of black soot or other damage before using them. When in doubt,you should always call a professional to come and inspect or repair your old and worn outlets.
- Overloading Circuits –
Even modern circuits can become overloaded under heavy workload. Plugging everything into a single power strip or extention cord can cause the circuits to become worn down and faulty. This leads to a fire hazard. Try to avoid plugging too many items into the same outlet. When in absolute need, always have a professional install more outlets into your home.
Preventing Electrical Fires
At TRS Electric we make it our mission to protect the people of Yorkshire from disaster. That is why we provide full coverage inspection and repairs for your electrical systems. We aim to help prevent as many electrical fires as possible. But even we can’t be there every moment of every day.
Preventing an electrical fire boil down to diligence and proper maintenance. It’s always good to ensure that your electrical systems are up to code with regular inspections. Having your appliances, electrical wiring and circuits inspected and maintained will go a long way towards preventing disaster.
Remember, electricity may power our lives but it is still a dangerous force. When in doubt, reach out to our team of experts here at TRS Electric. We are Yorkshire’s resident electricity experts!