Electrical Heating Fires in Homes – Top Causes and Preventive Measures
Home electrical fires lead to considerable deaths, injuries and property damage every year. But they can be avoided with a little attention and proper maintenance. The most common reason for electrical heating-related fires within homes is faults in the electrical system. It becomes necessary that you learn how to identify faults within the electrical system in your home, how to prevent such risks in the future and when to hire electrical inspection experts in Newnan.
Common causes of electrical heating and fires
1) Faulty outlets
If your electrical outlets are faulty with corroded sockets and worn-out wiring, it may be a cause for electrical heating. Outdated appliances that draw too much power and devices with frayed cords may also activate a fire.
2) Outdated wiring
If your house is old, the wiring may not be capable enough to handle the multiplying number of electrical devices over the years. The outdated wiring will struggle to manage the power load due to microwave ovens, home theatre systems, HVAC systems and music players leading to overheating and possible fires.
Since all the electrical wiring is concealed behind walls, it is impossible to be sure about the condition of your wiring. Thankfully,
electrical maintenance technicians in Newnan can help you with this.
Are you among those people who plug the TV, computer, and music player into the same extension cord? If yes, remember that you are paving the way for an electrical disaster. When too many appliances are connected to a single outlet, the circuit becomes overloaded, leading to overheating and a serious risk of igniting a fire.
In case there are not enough outlets in your home to accommodate all your devices, hire an
electrical maintenance expert in Newnan to install extra outlets.
4) Faulty installation
Many things can go wrong with a home's electrical system. One of these is faulty installation, which may result from either bad repair work or an error when installing new appliances - especially by an unqualified person! This can cause electrical resistance leading to overheating.
5) Light fixtures
Did you know that your light bulbs, lamps, and light fixtures may all contribute to electrical fires? If the wattage of a bulb is higher than what is prescribed for a lamp, it can cause overheating and sparks. Carelessly leaving materials such as cloth or paper on lampshades may also trigger fires.
Before installing light bulbs, always check the recommended wattage on the lamp. And always keep away cloth and paper from your light fixtures.
6) Old appliances
As appliances get old, they can develop faulty wiring or frayed cords that are more vulnerable to overheating and catching fire. Additionally, the insulation quality, wattage use, and safety regulations of these appliances may not be suitable for current standards. Almost every outdated electrical appliance in your home, including fridges, heaters, toasters, and ovens are at risk of initiating a fire.
Simple repairs to outdated appliances can only keep them functioning safely for a short time. It is best to consult experienced electrical maintenance technicians in Newnan whether you need repairs or upgraded appliances.
Regular inspection can help avoid electrical heating
There is not much you can do about the regular wear and tear of electrical appliances. But you must inspect the appliances regularly and get help from expert professionals if necessary. Avoid overusing any electrical appliance to prevent overheating and the subsequent threat of an electrical fire.
The tips mentioned above will alert you to overheating of electrical equipment, wiring issues and outdated devices. In addition, make sure you have installed functional fire extinguishers and smoke detectors around your home to minimize damage in case of a fire outbreak.
If you prefer a professional opinion about your electrical system, consult
electrical maintenance technicians in Newnan for comprehensive services, including repairs, replacements, inspections, upgrades, or maintenance.
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