Fort Worth, TX – Causes of Electrical Fires and Ways to Prevent Them from Happening

Are you aware of the causes of electrical fires and ways to prevent them? If not, stay tuned.

A fire accident is scary and dangerous for several reasons. It destroys your home and your valuable belongings and it is also life-threatening. There are several reasons why fires start, and one of those reasons is faulty wiring, electrical appliances, and connections. In the upcoming paragraphs, we will discuss the causes of electrical fires and ways you can prevent them.

So, let’s begin. 

Electrical Outlets 

A majority of electrical fires originate out of defective electrical outlets and sockets that are worn out and improperly grounded. As the switches get older, the wiring wears out. The loose wires can break with time and start a nasty fire. Worn out appliances are also the culprits behind fire accidents, for they need a lot of power. 

Worn Out Wiring 

Aging wires also cause electrical Fires. If your home is more than 20 years old, the wiring may not be capable of handling several machines at a time. Old and worn-out wiring cannot handle heavy power load, causing the wiring to heat up and cause a fire. It is difficult for a homeowner to detect flaws in the wiring because the wires are mostly hidden behind the walls. To prevent an electrical fire caused by wiring, pay attention to the following signs.

Overloading of

• The circuit breakers
• Power outage or flicking lights
• Overheated electrical appliances
• Sparks in the outlets and appliances
• A burning smell
  

Overloaded Electrical Circuits 

One of the most significant fire hazards is the unrestricted use of extension cords. When you plug the TV, the play station, and the computer into a single extension cord, the power load on an individual socket increases and you force it to do a job that it wasn’t built for. An overloaded circuit can start a fire quite quickly. The best thing to do if you don’t have outlets is to call an electrician to install some new ones instead of overloading outlets and putting yourself and your family members at risk. 

Light Fixtures 

Another common fire hazard is a light fixture. By installing a high wattage bulb on a lamp or a light fixture, you increase the chances of causing a fire. Before installing a bulb, make sure to check the recommended wattage for the light fixture. Furthermore, placing a piece of paper or fabric over the lampshade, you can start an electric fire. As the material heats up, it catches fire, which quickly spread to other areas if it is not controlled. 

Ways to Prevent Electrical Fires

These are some of the easiest ways to prevent electrical fires.

• Hire a professional electrician to checkyour wiring, panels, and electrical wall outlets.
• To avoid an electric fire, install a high-quality smoke detector to detect smoke from the appliances.
• Use high-quality extension cords for every application.
• Do not run cords under carpets and rugs.
• Only buy high-quality devices that are built according to safety standards.
• Replace frayed and damaged wiresand don’t use extension cords for lighting.

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