Now that you’ve read some of the leading causes of electrical fires (or if you didn’t, you can do that here), let’s explore the many ways to prevent them:
- As faulty wiring is one of the major causes of electrical fires in the home, always thoroughly check outlets, cords, and plugs for frayed or exposed wires.
- Go easy on the extension cords. Never overload them or “daisy chain” them.
- Some appliances have three-pronged plugs while others have two-pronged plugs. Always be sure to plug the correct type into the correct outlet.
- If you have children in the home, it’s a good idea to occupy the electrical outlets with safety covers.
- If you have electrical blankets, heating pads, or other similar devices, make sure they have temperature controls, which usually turn off automatically if the device gets too hot or is left on for a certain amount of time.
- Don’t place or route cords/cables under rugs or carpets. This can greatly increase the amount of wear on the cords, thereby increasing the risk of exposed wiring.
- Make sure to use only laboratory-approved devices (i.e., UL-approved). Cheaply made devices may not bear the laboratory seal (and for good reason).
- Trusted and popular brands for surge protectors and “power strips” include APC, Belkin, and Tripp Lite. Always research electrical appliances prior to purchasing them, especially surge protectors.
- Use common sense. If it looks dangerous, it probably is.
It’s always a good idea to install smoke detectors plentifully and strategically throughout your home. This obviously enhances the ability to detect electrical (and other) types of fires. If you have any questions on how you can avoid electrical fires in your home or office, we are happy to come out and provide an inspection.
