Every year in America, roughly 1000 people die in house fires caused by electrical failure and electrical distribution systems, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Many more thousands of injuries occur, and nearly 100 thousand individual homes are affected. The causes of electrical fires can be hard to prepare for, but every homeowner should know the dos and don’ts of combatting electrical fires.
Electrical Fire Causes and Common Locations
Outlets and appliances – When everything is in working order, outlets and plugs safely interact to power any device or large appliance in your house. However, when some piece of this puzzle fails, the situation can quickly become dangerous.
Too many devices plugged into one outlet, possibly through a power strip, can heat the outlet or cause it to trip. Sustained degradation of outlet housing or components making up the connection lessen the heat retention capabilities and allow sparks to occur. Large appliances with electrical faults can also mistakenly draw excess power that runs the risk of tripping the circuit and sparking.
Wiring – Wiring directly behind the outlet is affected by the issues above, but wiring runs throughout your walls, and any of them can degrade and heat up if not checked and maintained. Sparking between corroded wires is a common cause of electrical fires.
Lighting – Lighting can cause electrical fires in many ways. Lamps and other standing light fixtures should only be used with bulbs that fit the wattage limits of the device. If not, they can overheat, and any flammable material in the vicinity risks catching alight. However, lamps can also cause fires if their internal wiring, components, or outlet connections are not maintained.
Heaters – Florida doesn’t become cold too often, but when it does, residents accustomed to the warm temperatures might spring for a space heater in their home. If you are not careful, space heaters are one of the riskiest items to bring into your home. Anything flammable and located close to a space heater can catch fire and quickly spread. Space heaters should always be kept away from foot traffic and used only under supervision, never left running on their own.
Responding To Electrical Fires
Homeowners can take steps to address electrical fires if they occur, but only if they are relatively minor and contained. Never risk your life trying to stop a fire on your own, and immediately call the fire department regarding the vast majority of home fires.
Furthermore, electrical fires differ from ‘regular’ fires. Electrical heat and fires that spread to other materials can cause fires in things like bedding and curtains, and you can safely douse these in water as an initial response to a flame if they are isolated. However, you should never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. It can cause electrical shocks and potentially spread the fire even further.
When electrical fires occur:
- Call your local fire emergency services and evacuate if the problem is out of hand – never risk your life fighting the fire alone
- Turn off electricity to your house or the affected area of the house
- Use an extinguisher rated for electrical fires, or try to smother the flame in heavy, nonflammable materials like baking soda
If you ever notice early warning signs of electrical fires, like warm outlets or frayed wiring, you need assistance from an electrician as soon as possible.
Promise Electric has helped Sarasota’s residents for years with any and all commercial and residential electrical needs. Call us today for inspections, repairs, or new installations – completed at the highest quality in the area
