How to Prevent Electrical Fires: A Step by Step Guide

How common are house fires? More common than you think. According to the National Fire Protection Association, one is reported every 90 seconds in the United States.What is the leading cause? Cooking equipment—it accounts for more than half of all cases. Cigarettes, candles, and heating systems contribute to the problem as well.Perhaps the most dangerous, however, are electrical fires.

Not only would there be a fire, but there would also be a risk of electrocution.For this reason, it’s crucial that you have all your electrical work done by a qualified electrician. Regular inspections are a good idea as well.Want to know how to prevent electrical fires? If so, you’re on the right page! We’ll be sharing a bunch of tips with you below. Keep reading to learn more!How to Prevent Electrical Fires:

5 Things That You Should Do

Electrical fires are one of the top causes of house fires. Here are a few things that you can do to stay safe!

1. Inspect Regularly

Electrical fires are often caused by faulty wiring. Given that, it’s a good idea to inspect the wirings in your house on a regular basis. Replace any frayed or worn out cords that you find. Why? The live wire can easily be exposed, which can lead to sparks and fire. On top of that, it’s an electrical hazard.

2. Keep Flammable Materials Away

Keep flammable materials away from electrical outlets and appliances. You never know when a device might malfunction, which can set them on fire.For instance, you should never put blankets, rugs, and towels next to an electrical space heater. The same goes for smaller items such as irons, hairdryers, and lamps.

3. Do Not Overload Outlets

An electrical outlet can only provide so much electricity at one time. Overloading it would cause it to spark, which can result in a fire. In other words, don’t plug several appliances into the same outlet.For maximum safety, consider investing in a power strip with overload protection—they’ll shut the power off if the outlet ever becomes overloaded.

4. Don’t Rely on Extension Cords

Extension cords are meant to be temporary solutions. You never want to leave an appliance plugged into one for any length of time; they should be plugged directly into an outlet instead.Don’t have enough electrical outlets in the house? Hire an electrician to install new ones—that way, you won’t have to compromise your safety.

5. Use the Right Light Bulbs

Using the wrong light bulbs can lead to house fires. Always check the voltage requirements on any light fixtures or lamps before installing anything new.If you can, switch to LED lighting. Compared to traditional lightbulbs, they are much less likely to overheat. Not only that, but they require much less energy!

Preventing Electrical Fires

Hopefully, that answers the question of “how to prevent electrical fires.” As you can see, there are several things that you can do to protect you and your home!Looking for an electrician in the greater Toronto-area? Feel free to contact us for a free estimate!