Electrical fires can cause a lot of damage to your home and threaten the health and safety of you and your loved one. Fortunately, there are many ways a homeowner can lower the likelihood of them occurring! Here’s an overview of five things that you can do to reduce the risks of an electrical fire.
Don’t Let Flammable Objects Near Outlets
It’s very important to keep flammable objects away from electrical outlets. Items like curtains, papers, and furniture that sit near outlets can create a serious fire hazard if a spark ignites them.
Additionally, electric space heaters should be placed far from any flammable items to reduce fire risks. Coil space heaters can quickly heat up nearby materials, and when they are too close to something that burns easily, the chances of an electrical fire will increase. The simple act of giving space heaters enough space can save you from one of the common electrical fire causes in homes.
Be Careful Not to Overload Your Outlets
Taking care not to overload your electrical outlets is also important. When you overload outlets, you risk causing your circuit breakers to trip, which is a warning of a fire hazard. Overloaded power strips, extension cords, and outlets can overheat and damage electrical components, potentially sparking a fire.
Additionally, you should consider using separate outlets for high-power electrical devices instead of combining them with multiple other electrical appliances on a single power source. This approach will distribute electrical demand more evenly throughout your home’s electrical system and lower the chances of fire risks.
Install GFCI Outlets Near Water Sources
In rooms like kitchens and bathrooms with water sources, installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) is a no-brainer for electrical safety. GFCI outlets automatically shut off power if they detect a change in current that could lead to an electrical shock or an electrical fire.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so these outlets help prevent electrical fires by minimizing the risk of electrocution. Any time there is moisture near electrical outlets, GFCIs act as a safeguard, detecting faulty wiring or damaged electrical components before they can start a fire.
Use Cords Correctly
Using electrical cords improperly is a common cause of electrical fires. For instance, avoid running extension cords under rugs, as this can wear them down and increase the risk of them becoming frayed. You should always use the right cord for your device, making sure to match the cord’s wattage capacity to the device’s demand.
Furthermore, don’t use an extension cord permanently — they are designed for temporary use only. Plugging light fixtures or high-powered appliances like electric space heaters directly into wall outlets, rather than extension cords, is safer. This practice can help you avoid causing damage to both cords and outlets, which might otherwise lead to electrical fires.
Schedule a Safety Inspection
Routine safety inspections can also help prevent electrical fires. An electrician can evaluate the electrical panel, circuit breakers, and light fixtures, identifying any fire hazard. A qualified inspector will also look at electrical outlets and cords to find any signs of faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, or damaged electrical components that could lead to fire risks.
Additionally, they can assess the home’s electrical system for potential fire risks, such as outdated light bulbs or overused power strips. Scheduling these inspections gives you the opportunity to detect fire hazards before they turn into causes of electrical fires.
To Make Your Home a Safer Place, Call Electric Geeks Today!
If you’re dealing with faulty electrical outlets, flickering lights, outdated wiring, or other problems in your home, Electric Geeks can help. Not only do we offer wiring and electrical repairs, but we also offer inspections so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is safe. Reach out today to learn more and to schedule a service for your home!