Unfortunately, electrical fires can cause some severe damage to your home. These types of fires have the potential to put the safety of yourself and others at risk. Like other types of fire, you can prevent electrical fires in your home. According to the National Safety Council, 30,000 non-fatal electric shock accidents happen annually. They also estimate that 600 and 1,000 people die from being electrocuted yearly. Continue reading for more tips on how to keep your home fireproof and safe from electric fires.
Follow these tips to protect yourself from electrical fires.
Electrical Fires From Electrical Outlets
Loose-fitting plugs are always detrimental and could be a potential shock or fire hazard. If you notice loose outlets within your home, replace your missing and broken parts so that wiring is not exposed. Covering exposed parts is a crucial tip, especially if you have young children living in your home.
Plugs Can Cause Electrical Fires
It would be best if you never forced any plug into an outlet. One piece of advice is that under any circumstances, you should never remove the third prong, often referred to as the third prong, to fit into a two-conductor outlet. You should also avoid plugging in too many adapters and plugs into outlets. Appliances that generate heat should also be unplugged whenever they are not in use.
Extension Cords Are A Culprit of Electrical Fires
Extension cords are a temporary solution for your electrical needs. A few things to note about extension cords is that they should never have any physical damage like cracks and frayed wiring. Also, they should never be placed under any rugs or carpets. These cords are not a long-term solution for wiring your home.
Damaged Electrical Wiring
Wiring issues and defects of any kind are a significant cause of fires in residential properties. You can help prevent this issue by checking for loose wiring, loose light fixtures, and loose wall receptacles. You likely have some electrical issue if you hear cracking or popping noises within your walls.
Other Tips For Prevention
Ensure that the Ground Fault Circut Interrupters (GFCIs) are installed throughout your home. These should be placed in rooms like your kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, utility rooms, and living areas. Also, look out for appliances that tend to blow a fuse, trip a circuit, or give you an electric shock.
If you encounter this, you should aim to replace your unit as quickly as possible. Finally, you should check the watts of light bulbs so that they match the requirements for your specific light fixtures. Ensure that they are screwed in correctly to prevent overheating.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
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