Electrical Fire Prevention Tips
As a homeowner or commercial property owner, the last thing you want to deal with is an electrical fire. Apart from razing your property to the ground, an electrical fire can put your family’s safety at risk. Luckily, electrical fires are preventable.
Let’s look at what you can do to prevent electrical fires.
Replace Outdated Wiring
Outdated or worn-out electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Outdated wiring cannot handle the electrical draw of modern appliances and the increased energy demands of modern homes. Older electrical wiring could pose a fire hazard because the wires have a tendency to short-circuit and ignite.
Signs Your Electrical Wiring Is Outdated
- Frayed wiring
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Dimming lights
- Electrical outlet discoloration
- Warm, vibrating outlets
- Unusual sounds coming from electrical outlets and fixtures
- Old aluminum wiring—homes built between the mid-1960s and the mid-1970s may have aluminum wiring.
If your home is 20 years or older, you should have an electrician inspect the wiring to determine if it’s safe. Any frayed wiring should be replaced as soon as possible by an electrician.
Keep Heat-Producing Appliances Unplugged When Not in Use
Many people have a tendency to leave heat-producing appliances plugged in even when not in use. This is a risky affair because these appliances can overheat and catch fire. Ensure you unplug appliances such as iron boxes, kettles, toasters, and curling wands when not in use.
Update Your Home’s Electrical System
If you live in an older home, you may have aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring, two-prong outlets, and 60-amp electrical systems, all of which come with a range of electrical risks. You should hire a reliable electrician to perform an electrical inspection in your home and make the necessary upgrades. A routine electrical inspection can help you identify potential electrical problems before they pose serious safety risks to your property.
Don’t Overload Your Home’s Electrical Outlets
Electrical circuits are designed to handle a certain amount of electricity. An electrical circuit overload occurs when you draw more electricity than what a circuit can handle. When you plug too many appliances into a single extension cord, it creates an excessive power load on a single electrical outlet, thereby causing a serious risk of an electrical fire. It is advisable to limit the use of extension cords in your home. If you don’t have enough electrical outlets to accommodate your household needs, call a reputable electrician to install additional outlets.
Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are used to protect appliances and anything else plugged into an outlet from power surges and voltage spikes. If too much electricity flows into an appliance or an electronic device, it can burn up those appliances and cause electrical fires in severe cases. If you need help with surge protector installation in your property, call Mr. Electric.
Other measures that will help you prevent electrical fires include:
- Keep flammable materials away
- Don’t ignore signs of trouble
- Follow the directions that come with your appliances
If you’re looking for a reputable electrical company to help you with your electrical needs, get in touch with Mr. Electric.
