Preventing Electrical Fires in Your Home | Teems Electric

If you looked around right now, how many things could you count that are using electricity? There is no doubt that there is a constant flow of electricity in our homes, and we rely pretty heavily on electrical items.

We use electricity so frequently that it can be easy to forget about the dangers that come along with it. Electrical fires account for nearly 34,000 house fires every year.

Your home may be prepared for the possibility of fires, but understanding how to detect potential electrical issues is important for staying ahead of disasters.

Common Causes

In order to start taking some safety steps to keep your home safe from electrical fires, you need to identify the most common causes. If your home was built before 1950, you could have some extra dangers due to outdated wiring practices. Consider having a professional inspect your home to determine if your whole home could benefit from rewiring.

Electrical fires are not just caused by outdated wiring. Wiring that is installed incorrectly, overloaded outlets and incorrect use of lighting are other common causes of house fires. Fortunately, these are all easily preventable.

Common Warning Signs

Understanding the causes is crucial for preventing an issue, but you also need to understand the signs that there may be a problem. Catching potential electrical problems early can allow you to correct anything that may be happening long before a fire starts.

Lights that flicker or dim, outlets that feel warm or a circuit that frequently flips are all signs that should be further investigated. You should also keep an eye out for discolored outlets or switch plates. This could indicate that your wiring is getting too hot.

A smoldering smell, or something similar to the smell of fish is another sign that things are starting to heat up too much inside your walls.

Easy Prevention Steps

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent electrical fires in your home. If you do suspect there is a problem, don’t wait to call in a professional.

Electrical fires can move very quickly and be completely devastating. The sooner you can take action, the better.

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent a fire is to avoid overloading your outlets. Even power strips should never have more than three items plugged in at a time, and anything you can unplug when not in use should be.

Pay close attention to your extension cord use as well. These should be used temporarily only. If you constantly need power somewhere there are no outlets, let a professional add an outlet instead of using extension cords.

Another easy step to take is always using the correct wattage bulb in your lights. Check your fixture for the recommended wattage, and make sure your bulb fits well. Consider LED bulbs for a more energy-efficient and cooler running light as well.

We don’t like to imagine our homes without electricity, and we especially don’t want to imagine the possibility of the power we rely so much on putting our homes at risk for fire. Use electricity properly, and keep an eye out for warning signs that a problem is occurring.

Always call a professional to complete electrical projects as well. With safety measures in place, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.

Want to ensure your home wiring is safe? Contact us for an assessment and the best advice on preventing electrical fires.