The Main Causes of Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S. You can help to prevent them by using these tips for electrical safety in the home.
Electrical Safety with Appliances
The appliances in your home may malfunction and cause a fire. One of the best electrical safety practices is to power it correctly. Read the appliance’s manual to determine what wattage it uses and how it should be positioned to prevent the appliance from overheating.
Also, don’t plug large appliances into outlet adaptors or power strips that increase the number of outlets available. This can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
Check Your Appliances Often
Large appliances generate heat from the electricity they use. Provide proper air circulation to reduce the risk of this heat melting your wires and causing a fire.
Regularly check your appliance’s exhaust fans to ensure that they are clear of debris. Debris in these fans can lead to improper air circulation which will lead to the appliance overheating. Also, inspect the power cords on your appliances to make sure that they are not damaged or frayed.
Location is Important to Electrical Safety
Be thoughtful about your outlets and where you place appliances and cords. Keep drapes and other flammable material away from your outlets and appliances. They tend to get hot with use and may start a fire if they are close to something that can ignite. You should never put cords across hallways or under rugs.
Overloading Your Breakers
Your circuit breaker tripping is a warning that you are drawing too much electricity from that area of your house or that the wires in your walls aren’t working properly.
If your breaker is tripping regularly, call an electrician to come to inspect the wires in your wall and possibly even your appliances to ensure that they are working correctly. Electricians are trained to help you identify any problems and advise you about electrical safety in your home.
Digs Doctor Home Inspections offers inspection to customers in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule our services.