Electrical Fires - Common Causes

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Living room fire damage

According to the U.S Fire Administration there are approximately 24,000 electrical fires per year.

• 83% of electrical fires most often happen in One- and Two- family homes. 
• 12% of these fires occur in January due to the increase of heating appliances and lights. 
• 15% of residential fires happen in the bedroom.
• 13% of residential fires happen in attics or vacant crawl spaces

COMMON CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL FIRES:

1. Faulty outlets and appliances. Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord, which can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors, curtains, and rugs that can start a fire.
2. Light fixtures. Always check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on any lighting fixture or lamp and never go over the recommended amount.
3. Extension cords. Only use extension cords as a temporary measure, NEVER plug an appliance into an extension cord. If you do not have the appropriate type of outlets for your appliances, hire an electrician to install new ones.
4. Space heaters. These types of heaters are portable, many times people put them too close to combustible surfaces such as curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, couches and rugs.
5. Wiring. If a home is over 35 years old, it may not have the wiring capacity to handle the increased amounts of electrical appliances in today’s average home, such as computers, wide-screen televisions, video and gaming players, microwaves and air conditioners. 

NEVER use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord, which can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors, curtains, and rugs that can start a fire.

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