Thousands of house fires happen every year in the United States, and many of them are caused by electrical malfunctions — in fact, the U.S. Fire Administration’s national estimates state that there were 26,200 electrical malfunction fires in 2022 alone.
As such, knowing how to treat your home’s electrical systems with care can make a big difference in your continued safety. If you want to learn how to prevent electrical fires and keep both your home and your family safe, here’s an overview of six different best practices and safety measures you should keep in mind.
1) Keep Electrical Cords in Safe Places
Electrical cords placed improperly can create serious fire hazards. Running cords under rugs, carpets, or furniture can cause excessive heat buildup or damage to insulation, increasing fire risks.
Avoid placing electrical cords near combustible materials and ensure they remain visible and untangled. Use appropriate safety measures by routing them away from areas where they could sustain damage.
2) Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI outlets) are designed to prevent electrical fires by quickly cutting off power when moisture creates a fault in the circuit. These outlets are especially important in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, where water and electricity may not be far from one another . As such, incorporating GFCI outlets into your electrical system is a vital step toward preventing electrical fires and maintaining fire safety.
3) Never Overload Outlets
Overloaded outlets are one of the many common causes of electrical fires. Plugging too many electrical devices into a single outlet can create excessive or uncontrolled heat, especially if the home wiring system cannot handle the demand. Be mindful that while using power strips may seem like a good way to prevent electrical outlets from overloading, the strips themselves can overload if too many things are plugged in.
4) Unplug Appliances That Aren’t Being Used
Many appliances generate heat even when idle, which can lead to fire if they malfunction. Unplugging small appliances like toasters, kettles, or coffee makers when they are not in use is a simple safety measure to reduce fire risks. Space heaters and other high-energy devices should also be unplugged after use to help maintain a safe home wiring system.
5) Be Wary of Frayed or Damaged Cords
Frayed electrical cords or broken cords are warning signs of faulty wiring that can spark an electrical fire. Repair electrical problems promptly by replacing damaged cords rather than using temporary fixes. Frayed or broken cords near combustible materials can ignite fires, so inspect all electrical cords regularly and avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution for powering electrical devices.
6) Schedule an Electrical Inspection
A licensed electrician can identify hidden dangers in your home, like arc faults, faulty wiring, or concealed wiring that could pose fire risks. Scheduling an inspection ensures your electrical system is up to date and incorporates safety measures like arc fault circuit interrupters and proper copper wiring. Also, remember that routine checkups help prevent electrical fires, tripped circuit breakers, and other issues by detecting and resolving electrical problems before they escalate.
If you want to schedule an electrical safety check in Newport News, reach out to MorLite Electric! Our crew of licensed electricians will help make your home a safer place and can perform a variety of other services too, including wiring, lighting, and much more. Give us a call today for further information and to schedule one of our trusted electrical services.
