Electrical fires are among the most common home hazards that
can put your home and family at risk. Some electrical faults are difficult to
detect since the electrical cables are inside the walls, while others are easy
to identify. You can prevent an electric fire by understanding the warning
signs.
Discover five preventive measures to help protect your home
from electrical fires.
1. Avoid Using Appliances With Damaged Cords
Sometimes when a device cord breaks, you might ignore the
damage and continue using the appliance. Instead of putting your family in
danger, consider replacing the cable if it is replaceable and the damage is
minor. Where the damage is extreme, you are probably better off buying a new
appliance than risking an electrical fire.
2. Ensure Your Electrical Outlets Are in Good Condition
Faulty electrical outlets are a major cause of house
electrical fires. You can avoid falling victim due to damaged outlets by
inspecting your power outlets regularly. If you are not familiar with electric
cables and wiring, consider hiring a professional to do the electrical
inspection.
The electrician looks out for damage signs such as space
between the wall and the electrical outlet, overloaded power boards or sockets,
worn-out cables, and exposed wires. Regular inspection of your electrical
outlets may allow you to identify damage before it escalates to cause an
electrical fire.
3. Install Light Fixtures With Recommended Wattage
Poor light fixture installations are a common cause of house
electrical fires. Avoid these incidences by using the recommended bulb wattage.
Always check the wattage of your electrical sockets before you plug any light
devices. Such measures ensure that you do not overload the light fixture, often
preventing an electrical fire.
Also, observe how your lights behave. If the lights flicker
or do not stay lit, you need to check if the switch has an issue and replace
it. Also, make sure you check the condition of the power cords and replace them
if frayed.
4. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use to
conserve energy and minimize the risk of electrical fires. When left plugged
for prolonged periods, electrical devices such as electric kettles, irons,
curling wands, and heaters are likely to malfunction.
Most of these appliances have inbuilt transformers that
retain power even after the device is off. If the appliance malfunctions, the
transformer could overheat, leading to a fire.
5. Use a Power Surge Protector
Each power outlet in your home has a designated amount of
power it should provide. If you overload the outlet, you risk causing electric
sparks that result in electrical fires. If you are unsure whether your power
outlet is overloaded, use a power surge protector to prevent potential
electrical hazards in case of a power surge.
However, make sure you are cautious about how you use the
power surge protector. For instance, you should not connect more than one
extension cord, as this can cause overloaded circuits.
Make sure you only use a surge protector with a circuit
breaker. If the surge protector feels hot to touch, disconnect it. Also, do not
expose the surge protector to moist environments. Familiarize yourself with the
electrical safety requirements before using a power surge protector.
Electrical fires are common but sometimes hard
to predict. To protect your family and property from these fires, regularly inspect
the electric cables and appliances. At Express Electrical Services, we can help
you perform the inspection and carry out necessary maintenance to ensure your
family's safety.
Contact ustoday
for any electrical service, and we will help eliminate any risks of electrical
fires.
