Top Five Issues That Can Make You a Victim of an Electrical Fire

 Each year, countless homes and businesses fall victim to electrical fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures or malfunctions are behind an estimated 51,000 fires each year, resulting in close to 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and almost $2 billion in property damage.

While some electrical fires are unavoidable, there are many steps that homeowners can take to minimize their risk. This blog post will discuss five of the most common causes of electrical fires and what you can do to prevent them.

1.    Faulty Outlets and Wiring: One of the most common causes of electrical fires is faulty outlets and wiring. Over time, outlets and wiring can wear down or damage, leading to shorts and sparks. To prevent this from happening, have your outlets and wiring inspected by a professional Electrical Contractor Walnut Creek CA regularly.

2.    Overloaded Circuits: Another common cause of electrical fires is overloaded circuits. This happens when too many devices are plugged into one circuit, causing it to overheat. To prevent this from happening, make sure not to overload your circuits and have a professional electrician install additional outlets if necessary.

3.    Poor Maintenance: Yet another leading cause of electrical fires is poor maintenance. When tools and equipment are not properly maintained, they can overheat or catch fire easily. To prevent this from happening, ensure to regularly inspect your tools and equipment and have them serviced by an Electrical Contractor Walnut Creek CA if necessary.

4.    Extension Cords: Extension cords are often used when there are insufficient outlets to plug everything in. However, extension cords should only be used temporarily as they can easily overheat or catch fire when used for prolonged periods. If you need additional outlets, have a professional electrician install them.

5.    Lighting: Improper lighting is another leading cause of electrical fires. To avoid this, use light bulbs that are the correct wattage for your fixtures and never exceed the recommended wattage. In addition, always use light fixtures that are UL-approved and make sure to inspect them regularly for any damage or wear and tear.

Conclusion

Electrical fires are all too common, but there are many steps that homeowners can take to minimize their risk. Having your outlets and wiring regularly inspected by a professional Electrical Contractor Walnut Creek CA can help keep your home safe from an electrical fire.