Electrical Fires

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

When most people think "house fire", their first assumption is a fire starting from a pan of hot grease or an overturned candle. Very seldom does anyone assume a home fire could be started by an electrical source including but not limited to:

• Portable electric heaters such as electric cookers, electric irons, electric bedclothes, sterilizers, welders
• Stationary electric heaters such as ovens, electric dehumidifiers, electric furnaces
• Electrical appliances such as distribution transformers, motors, generators, battery chargers, circuit breakers
• Wiring such as service wires, interior wires, cords, wire connection
• Wiring appliances such as switches, multi outlets, electricity meters
• Wire exposures such as the connection point to walls, connection points of metal plates and pipes, wood in contact with high-voltage lines
• Static electricity sparks caused by rubber film, rollers, liquid fluid in ducts

In cases of wiring or outlet overheating, there are usually a few signs prior to ignition.

Did you know? If an outlet is emitting heat or a smell it is sign that the outlet is overloaded. 

Overloading an outlet causes too much heat in one location and can cause a fire.  Some examples of this are running too many cords in one outlet or using an extension cord instead of an outlet. If your outlet emits a burning smell or is hot when you touch it, it could indicate there is a danger of electrical fire.

Make sure that the proper number of plugs is being used in each outlet. As an added precaution, do not run any power cords underneath combustible materials like rugs or bedding.  Make sure that all of your plugs fit into the outlets tightly to prevent excess heat. It is important to recognize warning signs of electrical fires to keep yourself and your home safe.