Molly Ayala
Electrical fires are a leading cause of household damage in the US, with nearly 30,000 incidents reported annually, resulting in over $1 billion in property damage and claiming more than 295 lives each year. These fires are preventable with some basic safety precautions and by being aware of the signs that your home might be at risk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electrical fires per year in the US | 24,000 |
| Number of deaths caused by electrical fires in the US in one year | 295 |
| Number of injuries caused by electrical fires in the US in one year | 900 |
| Property damage caused by electrical fires in the US in one year | $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion |
| Number of electrical fires per year in the US (alternative figure) | 30,000 |
| Number of deaths caused by electrical fires in the US per year (alternative figure) | 300 |
| Common causes of electrical fires | Faulty electrical outlets, outdated appliances, light fixtures, light bulbs, misuse of extension cords, space heaters, outdated wiring, overloaded outlets and circuits, damaged or frayed cords, improper use of extension cords, failure to clean out dryer lint, incorrectly installed wiring, malfunctioning appliances, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, phone chargers, portable heaters |
| Ways to prevent electrical fires | Have your wiring checked regularly by a licensed electrician, avoid overloading outlets and circuits, unplug appliances when not in use, use extension cords rated for the wattage of the appliance, keep cords away from sources of heat, install smoke alarms on every level of your home, have a designated meeting place outside, turn off the power at the breaker box in the event of a fire, do not put out the fire yourself, call 911, use AFCI outlets, hire licensed professionals, use the correct materials, use lightbulbs that match the recommended wattage, keep anything that can burn away from lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs, use a single heavy-duty extension cord and operate only one appliance at a time, use a fire extinguisher, cut off power at its source, disconnect electricity to the source of the fire, keep flammable materials away from appliances, use power strips and surge protector cords with caution, never "piggyback" one power strip into another, use an ABC-rated fire extinguisher |
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What You'll Learn
Faulty wiring
Outdated wiring, such as aluminum wiring in older homes, is more prone to deterioration and arcing, increasing the fire risk. Electrical arcing occurs when electricity jumps between connections, generating high-temperature sparks that can ignite surrounding materials. Frayed or exposed wiring, damaged insulation, and loose connections can also lead to arcing and potential fires.
To prevent electrical fires due to faulty wiring, it is crucial to have a licensed electrician inspect and upgrade old wiring systems regularly. Homeowners should prioritize electrical safety, use correct materials, and avoid overloading circuits or outlets. Understanding the common causes of electrical fires and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect homes and families.
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Overloaded outlets and circuits
Overloading outlets and circuits is a common cause of electrical fires. This can happen when too many appliances or electronic devices are plugged into a single outlet or when extension cords are misused. To prevent overloading outlets, it is important to avoid plugging too many items into a single outlet and to use a single heavy-duty extension cord when necessary, operating only one appliance at a time. It is also important to ensure that plugs are fully inserted into outlets and to avoid forcing a 3-prong cord into a 2-slot outlet.
Additionally, it is crucial to use the correct type of extension cord for the appliance being used. For example, extension cords should never be used with large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, or microwaves, as they are not designed to handle such heavy loads and can overheat and start a fire. It is also important to avoid "piggybacking" power strips, which means plugging multiple power strips into each other, as this can easily start a fire or affect your circuit breakers.
Another way to prevent overloading outlets and circuits is to install additional outlets if necessary. If you are short on outlets, it is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to install more. This will help ensure that your outlets can handle the electrical load and reduce the risk of overloading. It is also important to regularly inspect your outlets and circuits for any signs of wear or damage, such as discoloration or buzzing sounds, which could indicate arcing in loose wires.
To further reduce the risk of electrical fires, it is important to use light bulbs with the correct wattage for your lamps and fixtures. Installing bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage can cause the light fixture to overheat and potentially ignite nearby materials. It is also important to keep flammable materials, such as cloth or paper, away from light fixtures and bulbs to prevent them from catching fire.
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Misuse of extension cords
If you find yourself using multiple extension cords to meet your electrical needs, you should consider calling a licensed electrician to add additional outlets and wiring to your home. It is important to use the right extension cord for the right purpose. For larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best, while thin or flat cords can be used for smaller appliances and electronics. Longer cords cannot handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge, so be sure to choose a length that meets your needs.
Before using an extension cord, inspect it for damage, looking for frayed cords and broken prongs, and discard it if you find any. Make sure the extension cord is properly rated for its intended use and meets the power needs of the device. Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord. Do not overload a power strip or plug multiple cords together.
To prevent heat from becoming trapped and causing a fire, avoid running extension cords under rugs, within walls, or in other covered areas. Keep outdoor extension cords away from snow and standing water. If an extension cord ever feels hot to the touch, unplug it immediately, as this is a sign that a fire may start.
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Outdated appliances
One of the most common issues with outdated appliances is faulty wiring. Over time, wires can become brittle and break, causing a short circuit that can lead to a fire. Outdated wiring may also not be able to handle the electrical load of modern appliances, which can cause overheating and fires. It is recommended to have a licensed electrician inspect your home's wiring and electrical system regularly to identify and mitigate any potential risks.
Another issue with outdated appliances is that they may not have the same safety features as modern appliances. For example, older appliances may not have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which can help prevent electrical fires by detecting and shutting off power in the event of a ground fault. Similarly, older appliances may not have arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which can detect dangerous arcing conditions that could lead to electrical fires and shut off the circuit before any damage occurs.
It is important to stay vigilant and be aware of the signs that your home might be at risk for an electrical fire. Some warning signs to look out for include a burning plastic or rubber smell, a sizzling sound, tripping breakers and blown fuses, discolored outlets, sparks or flames, and charred or melted wires or plastic. If you notice any of these warning signs, it is crucial to act quickly and call a licensed electrician to inspect your home and recommend any necessary upgrades or repairs.
Upgrading outdated appliances to newer, more energy-efficient models can also help reduce the risk of electrical fires. Modern appliances often have improved safety features and are designed to handle higher electrical loads without overheating. Additionally, consider using smart power strips or surge protectors, which can detect overloading and automatically shut off power to prevent fires.
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Frayed or damaged cords
Frayed cords can cause sparks, which can quickly ignite nearby items and start a fire. This is especially true for power cords that are hidden behind furniture or rugs, as these are more likely to be damaged and can go unnoticed. It is important to regularly inspect power cords for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, cracking, or exposed wires. If any damage is identified, the appliance or cord should be replaced immediately.
Appliances with damaged cords should not be plugged in, as this can put nearby items at risk of catching fire. Frayed cords can also cause power surges to the outlet, leading to potential electrical fires. It is crucial to avoid overloading outlets and to unplug appliances when they are not in use.
To prevent fires caused by frayed or damaged cords, it is recommended to use extension cords wisely and avoid overloading them. Extension cords should be checked for any damage before each use, and they should not be plugged into one another or left running through walls, floors, or ceilings. Additionally, it is important to keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.
By taking these precautions and being vigilant about the condition of electrical cords, the risk of electrical fires in the home can be significantly reduced.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical fires in homes are commonly caused by incorrectly installed wiring, overloaded circuits, and the misuse of extension cords. Faulty electrical outlets and ageing appliances can also be a cause.
Some signs to look out for include discolouration around the accessory (usually orange or black) and a buzzing sound that could indicate arcing in loose wires.
First, turn off the power at the breaker box if possible, and then evacuate the premises. Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself, as water can conduct electricity and spread the fire. Instead, call 911 and let the professionals handle it.
