Common Causes of Home Electrical Fires
Many electrical fires start with damaged wiring or faulty equipment. Other common sources include:
- Light fixtures and bulbs
- Cords, plugs, and extension cables
- Overloaded outlets
- Space heaters and power supplies
If you’re unsure about the safety of anything electrical in your home, always call a qualified professional.
6 Tips for Electrical Safety
Many electrical fires can be prevented by following some simple safety tips. Below are important electrical safety rules every homeowner should know and follow. When inspecting your house for potential electrical fire hazards, or if there’s ever any doubt about the safety of an outlet or device, always check with an expert electrician.
Follow these 6 simple guidelines to help prevent electrical fires and other safety hazards:
1. Use the right wattage
Using the appropriate bulbs can help you avoid electrical difficulties, so make sure you’re using the correct wattage in all of your lights, fixtures, and appliances. If the wattage of a light fixture is not specified, use 60-watt bulbs or less. Our Saint Paul Electricians recommend choosing 25-watt bulbs for unlabeled ceiling fittings.
Pro tip: Switch to LED bulbs—they use less energy (so you get energy savings), and they produce less heat (so your fixtures are in less danger of overheating).
2. Don’t overload your outlets
Too many plugs in one outlet can cause overheating. Outlets should feel cool to the touch and haveElectrical difficulties are frequently caused by overloading an electrical socket. As follows, check that all outlets are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates, and are in good operating condition.
3. Replace damaged cords
Damaged power cables provide a severe domestic electrical safety danger, as they can cause fires as well as electrocution. All power and extension cables should be examined for fraying and cracking on a regular basis and repaired or replaced as needed. Power wires should not be fastened or run beneath carpets or furniture.
If you frequently use extension cords, it’s possible that you don’t have enough outlets to meet your demands. Install extra outlets in areas where you frequently use extension cords by a certified electrician who understands electrical safety standards.
4. Unplug appliances when not in use
When an appliance is not in use, unplug it. This is one of the simplest electrical safety advice, but it is also one of the most often forgotten.
5. Keep water and electricity apart
Water and electricity do not get along. To adhere to electrical safety regulations, keep electrical equipment dry and free from water. This prevents appliance damage and can safeguard against bodily harm and electrocution. It is critical to have dry hands while working with electrical items.
6. Use heaters with care
Keep portable heaters and built-in furnaces away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and other combustible materials. To avoid tipping, always keep portable heaters on a solid, level surface.
Contact McQuillan Bros Today
Since 1883, McQuillan Brothers has treated every home as if it were our mother’s or grandmother’s. We take pleasure in our old-school professionalism and honest, dependable electrical solutions. Contact the McQuillan Brothers now for the best household electrical services in St. Paul and Minnesota.
