6 Ways to Prevent Electrical Fires
Safety is a priority in any home environment, and every homeowner should take the risk of electrical fire seriously. Preventing an electrical fire requires taking proactive steps to identify risks and hazards in your home and understanding how to maintain electrical equipment properly.
By learning how to prevent electrical fires, you can take the necessary measures to protect yourself and your family from this potentially dangerous situation. Outlined below are ways to do that.
1. Regularly Inspect All Electrical Cords and Outlets
Inspections are an important part of any electrical safety plan. So, what do you look for in your inspections? Cords should be inspected for any fraying or exposed wiring. If the cord is faulty, it should be replaced immediately. It’s also important to check all your outlets for signs of wear and tear, cracks, and loose connections.
When checking your outlets, use a GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet tester. This will help ensure your outlets are safely wired and provide extra protection against electrical shock. Also, refrain from attempting to repair any electrical wiring or outlets. It’s important to call a certified electrician to perform any required repairs. If you need a certified electrician in Canton or the surrounding areas, your neighbors will vouch for us at Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing as a trusted partner.
2. Ensure You’re Using the Right Wattage of Light Bulbs
Light bulbs can become extremely hot, and if a bulb has a wattage too high for the fixture it’s used in, this can easily cause an overload in your electrical system and lead to a fire. To prevent this from happening, check the wattage rating of your light fixtures and ensure that you are only using light bulbs within the recommended range for that fixture.
For instance, a 100-watt bulb should never be used in a light fixture rated for up to 60 watts. Using higher-wattage bulbs can easily start a fire if the wiring in the fixture is not designed to handle them.
3. Give Your Circuit Breakers a Check
Circuit breakers can be easily overlooked, but they are an important part of any electrical safety plan. Circuit breakers trip when too much current flows through a particular circuit. This prevents fires by cutting off the power to that circuit before it has a chance to ignite.
Checking your circuit breakers periodically ensures they work properly and protects your home from potential fire hazards. If you notice that one of your circuit breakers is frequently tripping, it may indicate a problem with that particular circuit, which should be looked into further.
4. Implement Regular Maintenance
Regular electrical system maintenance is important to keep it working properly and prevent potential fire risks. This includes having an electrician check wiring, outlets and circuit breakers periodically to ensure everything is up to code and functioning correctly.
Regular maintenance can also pinpoint potential issues before they become larger problems. For example, if worn or frayed wires are identified during the inspection process, they can be replaced immediately instead of waiting until a more serious issue arises.
5. Unplug Your Appliances When They’re Not in Use
Unplugging your electrical appliances when not in use is an easy way to prevent fires. Appliances such as microwaves and coffee makers can easily cause a fire if left plugged in for too long, so it’s important to ensure that these items are unplugged when you’re done using them.
In addition, it’s also a good idea to unplug any electrical devices (like computers or televisions) that you don’t need to run all the time. This will reduce the amount of electricity being used and can help prevent the potential overloading of circuits.
6. Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are a great way to prevent electrical fires by absorbing any excess electricity flowing through your outlets. They act as a barrier between your electrical devices and the outlet and will shut off power to the equipment if any voltage spikes or surges are detected.
These devices are especially useful for protecting expensive electronics like computers and televisions. Be sure to check the rating on the surge protector before you buy one. Most electronic devices require at least a 600-volt surge protector to be safe from damage caused by power surges.
Conclusion
Electrical fires are a serious risk that can cause immense damage to your home and belongings. Following the tips above can help prevent electrical fires and keep your family safe.
At Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing, we provide a wide range of electrical services to ensure the safety of your home. Our qualified electricians are available to assist with any electrical maintenance or repair needs you have. We also install generators and offer a complete line of plumbing services. Call us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
