Home electrical fires are among the most prevalent residential accidents in the United States. It is estimated that there are over 1,400 injuries and close to 500 deaths each year due to this tragedy. Furthermore, an average of 51,000 fires reported each year result in $1.3 billion dollars’ worth of property damage.
Knowing this, it is critical for residential and commercial property owners to understand the main causes of electrical fires so that they can identify and correct them beforehand. Here, we will walk you through 4 of the most common causes of electrical fires.
The 4 Most Common Causes of Electrical Fires You Should Look Out For
Faulty Electrical Outlets and Aging Appliances
A large number of electrical fires in residential and commercial settings originate from aged and obsolete electrical appliances as well as faulty power outlets. This also includes defects in the power cords, switches, and receptacles of appliances.
Using appliances with frayed wiring or broken insulation can generate dangerous levels of heat due to the flow of current. In case the faulty wiring was to come into contact with combustible materials such as rugs, curtains, or wooden flooring, it could immediately ignite a fire.
Using Un-grounded Plugs
A majority of appliances nowadays come with three-pin plugs. The third prong allows the plug to handle higher voltages and electrical loads. The third prong also serves as a safety feature that works by redirecting the current and grounding it in case there is a short circuit in the appliance’s power cord.
However, many homes and commercial property owners have a habit of removing the third prong from the plug, so it can be used in a two-prong electrical outlet. Doing so deprives the plug of its current-grounding ability paving the way for electrical fires.
Overloading Light Fixtures
Another typical cause of electrical fires is overloading lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs. This is more often than not done unintentionally. For instance, ignorance of the person replacing the bulb of a light fixture or lamp can lead to them putting in a bulb that has a higher wattage than the lamp or light fixture is rated for.
This means that the bulb will draw more power from the main supply than the electrical components of the fixture or lamp can handle. This will cause overheating of the appliance, eventually resulting in fire. To avoid this, it is recommended to always check the wattage of the bulb you’re using and ensure that it does not exceed the maximum wattage rating of the light fixture or lamp.
Placing Combustible Materials on Lamps and Light Fixtures
Placing materials such as paper or cloth over a lampshade or any other light fixture can also spark a fire. Lamps and other light fixtures generate heat when they are in working. Covering them with materials can prevent the dispersion of heat, resulting in the temperature of the light fixture rising to a dangerous level.
This excessive heat can sometimes be enough to ignite combustible materials, such as the ones mentioned above, surrounding the light fixture.
Need Help?
Sometimes, knowing the causes of electrical fires is not enough. In the unfortunate case that you find yourself a victim of an electrical fire, get in touch with STOP Restoration of Spokane to get your property restored to its pre-loss condition. Our team of specialists has been trained to operate in the most complicated and time-sensitive situations to ensure that you can regain the home you lost. All our services are backed by years of experience serving the industry and we adhere to the highest standards of quality. Call now on (509) 818-7744 and get a team of STOP professionals on their way to you!
