According to experts at the U.S. Fire Administration, the months of December and January are two of the most common for home electrical fires, as more and more residents escape the chill of winter with space heaters and more time spent indoors. Some of the most commonly reported causes of electrical fires include:
- Old outlets and appliances. By far, the most common cause of electrical fires is old and faulty outlets and appliance cords. Remember to never use an appliance with a frayed cord or bent prongs because these can spark when plugged in, setting fire to nearby rugs, carpeting, and even clothing or pet’s hair.
- Misuse of extension cords. You should always plug your appliances directly into a wall except for very short periods of time. Extension cords can overheat, especially if used for extended periods of time. Never consider an extension cord to be a permanent fixture anywhere in the home.
- Space heaters. Space heaters use hot coils and airflow to distribute warm air across a room or garage. The coils seen on the inside of space heaters are often hot enough to instantly ignite clothing, furniture, or bedding if the heater is accidentally tipped over. Keep children and pets away from your space heater, and switch to a coil-free radiator-style heater if possible.
- Outdated wiring. If your home is over 20 years old, your wiring may not be able to handle the electrical load demanded by today’s modern computers, televisions, and gaming systems. An electrical inspection at your home in Montgomery County can help assess your home’s needs and determine if your wiring is likely to cause a fire.
A-1 Electric is a third-party agency comprised of electricity experts who are able to provide electrical inspections in Delaware County and its surrounding areas to keep your family safer this winter. Give our team a call today at 800-401-6114 to have an electrical inspector at your door in 24 hours or less!
