Electrical Fire Hazards – Identifying The Trouble Spots In Your Home

Modern homes are full of electrical appliances that carry significant risk; here are a few electrical fire hazards that all homeowners must keep a close eye on.

Fires in the home are nothing to joke about. Things can escalate quickly in home fires, and before you know it, a small fire can quickly become large and out of control, endangering the lives of you and your loved ones. Knowing common causes of fires in homes can help you take steps to prevent them.

This blog post will focus on one particular kind of fire hazard – electrical fires. We’ll provide tips to keep your home safe from electrical fires and what to do if one occurs.

Is An Electrical Fire Dangerous?

When you have faulty appliances & old connections to live wires, the electrical grounding suffers a short, generating excess heat that can either melt surrounding components or cause a fire. If you have placed flammable materials near a faulty socket, the threat of an electrical fire increases.

And if you have leaks occurring in your home, then remember, your lapse in water mitigation has now resulted in higher risks of not just fires but electrocution. All this goes on to say – yes, electrical fires are very dangerous.

1)   Old Wiring –

Frayed or damaged wiring can create sparks that can easily ignite a fire. Owners of older homes should have their wiring checked by a certified electrician to ensure that it’s up to code and safe.

2)   Overloaded outlets –

Overloaded outlets are another common cause of electrical fires. When you plug too many devices into one outlet, it can cause a circuit overload leading to sparks and fire. To avoid this, be sure to plugin devices the outlet can handle safely.

3)   Faulty light fixtures –

If you have any flickering or dimming lights in your home, it’s essential to have them checked as they might indicate a loose wire connection that could cause a fire. Faulty light fixtures often go unnoticed until it’s too late, so be sure to have a professional inspect them soon.

4)   Space heaters –

Space heaters pose a significant hazard during the winter months. Be sure only to use certified space heaters and keep them away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and clothing. Avoid leaving a space heater unattended, and always unplug it when you’re not using it.

5)   Unprotected Outlets –

Outlets exposed to the elements are a severe fire hazard as water and electricity don’t mix. If you have any outlets near water sources, weatherproof them with the help of a professional. Also, avoid using extension cords whenever possible as they can quickly overheat and cause a fire.

What to Do in Case of an Electric Fire? –

If you have an electrical fire, the first thought will be to do is call 911 right away. However, if you have a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fire handling, then do what you can to curb the fire without endangering yourself. Once the fire is out, have an electrician inspect your home and make any necessary repairs.

Taking these precautions will help to keep you and your family safe from electrical fires. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact a professional electrician.

Water is your electrical unit’s biggest enemy! 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Harrisburg, PA, offers water damage restoration services for commercial and residential clients. We offer instant home restoration services ensuring efficient property restoration from electrical fires and other interior hazards.

Request a service and trust our team to restore what’s most important – your safety, & your home!