Top Causes Of Home Electrical Fires

By Author: Greg Gregoriou
Total Articles: 29
Comment this article

Home electrical fires are dangerous and sometimes even deadly, which is why you need to know the top causes of home electrical fires so you can keep your family safe from these dangers at home. There are plenty of reasons why home electrical fires start and spread through your home, from faulty wiring to frayed wires to overloaded circuits. Here are the top causes of home electrical fires to know about and watch out for in your home today, as suggested by electrical contractors in Sydney .

Overloaded Electrical Outlets

Overloaded outlets are a huge problem in many homes. Plugs can easily get knocked loose, but if you notice that your plug no longer clicks all of the ways into place or isn’t seating properly, then you may have a problem. Be sure to check all your outlets and see if they are overloaded before plugging something else in. Once you find an outlet that is overloaded, unplug everything and contact an electrician Sydney to help repair it.

Damaged or Worn Out Wiring

Outdated wiring is a leading cause of house fires. Check your wiring before it’s too late. The National Fire Protection Association ...
... reports that damaged or worn out wires are responsible for over half of all residential fires related to heating, lighting, and electrical systems. With a quick visual inspection, you can check if your wires are still in proper working order.

Incorrect Voltage Provided

Always plug appliances into a receptacle that matches their voltage rating. Incorrect voltages can cause damage to your devices and result in fire or electric shock. It’s important to ensure your wiring is up to code, so make sure you get an electrician to inspect it regularly. Damaged Cords: Make sure all cords are in good condition; frayed, worn or loose wires can be a serious fire hazard.

Improperly Grounded Outlets/Cords

Electrical wires that aren’t properly grounded can cause a fire. Fixing an improperly grounded wire is a relatively easy fix, but if you need help, there are many qualified electrical companies Sydney around your area. Make sure your outlet has a ground pin—if it doesn’t and you notice that it sparks when you plug something in, you should consider getting it fixed immediately.

Overloaded Branch Circuit Breakers/Fuses

The most common cause of wiring fires at home is overloaded branch circuit breakers or fuses. More than half of all electrical fires are caused by an overloaded breaker or fuse. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you avoid piggybacking outlets and devices, which can overload a circuit as well as tamper with a breaker.

If you experience any of these electrical problems in your home, please call your local electrician and have your home’s electric system checked.