Many people believe their homes are safe, however, electrical fires account for about 50,000 residential fires each year. The best way to protect your family is understanding the risks and causes of electrical fires. Today, we at Burley Electrical Services would like to discuss the common causes of electrical fires since it all takes is excessive heat or a single spark.

What Happens when an Electrical Outlet Goes Bad?

Most don’t realize most electrical fires start in outlets. Electrical arc, sparking, or catching on fire are likely effects of underground outlets. If the wiring behind them loosens, even grounded outlets can start a fire. By tripping the circuit in the event of a short, GFCI outlets can help prevent fires.
Fire Prevention: Including soot around the sockets or switches, look for signs of wear. Tightening them will reduce the chances of a fire if the wires are loose. For outlet upgrades or serious electrical repairs, always call a professional electrician.

Old or Worn Out Electrical Wiring

Antiquated wiring is likely featured in homes built more than 20 years ago. You may notice frequent circuit breaker overloads, power outages, or other signs of bad wiring, it doesn’t have the capacity to meet the demands of modern technology and energy consumption.
Fire Prevention: Inspect your home and replace any old or damaged wiring by hiring an electrician.

Old Appliances

It’s probably not safe to use the toaster from the 1960s may look cool. When it comes to materials, construction, and safety regulations, older appliances are not up to modern standards. Additionally, outdated appliances are more likely to have frayed cords or loose wiring.
Fire Prevention: Signs of electrical damage need to be inspected on appliances. By an appliance repair expert, any appliances that make strange noises or produce a burning smell should be inspected. With new models that follow current safety standards, replace faulty appliances.

Can a Light Fixture Cause a Fire?

Not every fixture is cohesive with all light bulbs. A top cause of electrical fires is installing a high-wattage bulb in an incompatible lamp. If you cover the lamp with a makeshift cloth lampshade, it may also result in a fire.
Fire Prevention: Before installing new light bulbs, double-check the wattage. It’s time to replace it if a light fixture gets too hot when in use. Designed to fit the shape and size of your fixture.

Can Portable Heaters Cause a Fire?

Causing house fires is a reputation that space heaters have. Almost immediately, these appliances heat up quickly and can ignite flammable materials. A fire may result from placing a portable heater too close to curtains, bedding, or upholstery.
Fire Prevention: Keep them away from flammable materials, store portable heaters on flat, and fire-safe surfaces. Always unplug the unit when not in use and never leave a space heater unattended.

What Happens when Electrical Circuits are Overloaded?

A recipe for disaster can come from plugging too many cords into a single power source. To power multiple appliances and electronics at once, avoid using a single extension cord. Not only can you wear out the system, overloading the circuit can result in a fire.
Fire Prevention: Try using multiple outlets and ensuring your appliances have a dedicated circuit instead of relying on extension cords. Hire an electrician to install more if you don’t have enough outlets or dedicated circuits in your home.

Electrical Wiring Repair & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida

For any electrical services, call in the professionals of Burley Electrical Services and let our experts assist you!