What You Need To Know About Electrical Fire

Electricity makes our lives easy, comfortable, and enjoyable, but it presents risks simultaneously. One hazard that comes with the widespread use of electricity is electrical fires. They cause severe damage to the property and pose a threat to the family’s safety. Our heavy reliance on electricity to power almost everything around the home have exposed ourselves to an ongoing fire risk. Domestic fires caused due to electrical failure or malfunctioning have led to about 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and 1.3 billion in property damage every year, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). These statistics are a clear indication of how hazardous electrical fires can be. 

Common causes of an electrical fire

 It is essential to know of the common triggers and potential causes to be able to avoid them. Some such factors that can cause residential electrical fires include:

• Lack of maintenance

• Old or faulty electrical outlets and appliances

• Overloaded circuits

• Outdated electrical wiring

• Arc faults

• Misuse or incorrect use of extension cords

• Installing bulbs in light fixtures that exceed the recommended wattage

• Space heaters placed closed to flammable objects

• Ignoring safety codes

Signs of an impending electrical fire hazard

Knowing how to recognize the early signs of an electrical problem that can cause an electrical fire can help prevent it. Don’t delay in calling an electrician when you experience: 

• Random flickering or dimming of the lights

• Persistent burning smell

• Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker

• Discolored outlets and switches

• Sparking while plugging in the outlets

How to prevent electrical fire

Electrical fires are mostly preventable if proper safety tips are followed. Here is how you can take full advantage of the electrical devices and appliances without compromising with the safety:

• Replace the old wiring and upgrade the electrical system

• Get an electrical safety audit performed by a qualified electrician

• Install smoke detectors

• Identify, and repair or replace any loose outlet 

• Replace old and outdated appliances 

• Avoid overloading the outlets

• Minimize the use of extension cords

• Read the appliance’s instruction manual and use them accordingly

• Keep any flammable material away from electrical devices and appliances

Ways to put out an electrical fire

Even after following all the preventative measures, if any unfortunate incident happens, knowing how to deal with the worst possible situation can help protect the property from a major catastrophe. Here is the best way to deal with an electrical fire incident:

• Call 911 to inform them of the prevalent situation

• Ensure your and the family’s safety first

• Don’t try to put out the fire yourself unless it is a small one

• Disconnect the power of the affected area

• Small fires can be smothered using baking soda

• Avoid using water to put out the fire with the power on

• Use fire blankets or class C fire extinguishers

• Avoid going into the house till the fire is completely extinguished

Electrical fires can be dangerous, and it is always better to stay alert and take preventative measures to stop them from happening. Call an electrician for any concerns related to the electrical system and get a safety inspection performed to deal with any issue before it becomes a serious hazard. 

If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.