9 Tips to Prevent Electrical Fires

Electricity is used in our homes all year long, so knowing how to stay safe from electrical fires is critical. In this post you'll learn about electrical fires and 9 tips to prevent them.

 

Electrical Malfunction Fire Trends

The U.S Fire Administration says that:

• 23,700 residential fires were started by electrical malfunctions in 2023 alone a 2% increase from 2022
• In those fires 305 people died and 800 were injured
• The total cost of electrical malfunction fires was over $1.5 billion in 2023

That means that each electric malfunction fire cost $63,291 on average and 1 in 77 of those fires caused a death.

After reading those statistics you might be wondering how you can prevent these fires.

 

9 tips to prevent electric malfunction fires

 

1. Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician - 

They are professionals and can ensure your work is done safely and quickly.

 

2. When buying/remodeling a home get an electric inspection -

Nobody wants to buy a home and find out none of the electricity works how it should. Not only is this annoying, it can lead to expensive (or even deadly) fires down the road.

 

3. Only use one heating appliance plugged into an outlet at a time - 

This means you shouldn't run your coffee maker, toaster, and space heater at the same time if they are plugged into the same receptacle outlet.

4. Don't plug major appliances into an extension cord or plug strip -

Your refrigerator, dryer, washer, stove, air conditioner, and microwave require a lot of electricity to run. Using an extension cord or plug strip with one of these appliances increases your chance for an electrical malfunction fire.

 

5.  Consider installing AFCI's in your home -

AFCI's or Arc-fault circuit interrupters shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Installing them can prevent unexpected events causing an electrical fire.

 

6. Use GFCI's (ground fault circuit interrupters) where necessary - 

GFCI's shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and all outdoor receptacles.

7. Test your prevention systems monthly - 

Your AFCI's and GFCI's need to be tested monthly (according to manufacturer's recommendations) to ensure full functioning. 

 

8. Extension cords are only for temporary use - 

Fires don't need a flame to start, heat alone can ignite in many situations. For example if you have a cord running under a carpet or across doorways that can easily start a fire. Call a qualified electrician to add more outlets if you need.

 

9. Use a light bulb with appropriate wattage - 

Using the right bulbs is one of the easiest ways to prevent an electrical malfunction fire in your home. There should be a sticker that indicates the correct number of watts, if not check the product information online.

These 9 tips are simple ways you can prevent fires in your home. If you aren't sure if there is a problem or not

 

Call an electrician or your landlord 

If you are experiencing frequent problems with blown fuses or tripping circuit breakers that could indicate a larger problem. Other signs to notice are:

• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
  
• Discolored or warm wall outlets.
  
• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.
  
• Flickering or dimming lights.
  
• Sparks from an outlet.
  

Avoid losing $63,291 by preventing electrical fires with these 9 tips. 

 

The number one cause of home fires is unattended cooking, for more information how to prevent these fires check out this blog post or our FireAvert Prevention Products.