Keeping your home safe from fires should be a top priority. Unfortunately, many electrical issues can leave homeowners vulnerable to catastrophe. By recognizing these issues and understanding how to avoid them, residents can reduce their risk of fire and experience greater peace of mind.
In this blog, the electrical experts at Frasier’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical provide an overview of the top 5 electrical problems that can lead to fire with tips and tricks on protecting yourself and your home against these issues.
Electrical Problems That Spark Fires
A faulty or defective electrical system can result in a disaster if not quickly addressed by homeowners. Watch out for these five common issues to help keep you safe.
Faulty Outlets
Old or damaged outlets can have loose connections and lack proper grounding. This often leads to heat and sparks that can grow into a fire. Homeowners can protect themselves by upgrading older outlets to GFCI outlets with the grounding required by electrical codes. Plus, any outlet that is discolored, buzzing, or has a burning smell should be replaced as soon as possible.
Light Fixtures
One of the top reasons homeowners should turn to professional electricians for lighting installation is the risk when these fixtures are poorly installed and incorrectly wired. These issues can lead to overheating and arcing, producing excessive heat. When wire insulation is then melted, nearby materials may ignite. However, not all lighting issues come from installation problems. A defective light fixture could have flaws that result in short circuits and should be replaced as soon as you notice issues.
Overloaded Extension Cords
Most extension cords are designed to handle a minimal power load. Homeowners who plug several high-wattage appliances into one extension cord can cause the cord to overheat and melt, leaving exposed live wires. This leads to electrical arcing and the potential for nearby flammable items, including carpets and curtains, to catch fire.
Space Heaters
Space heaters pose several risks for homeowners who don’t use them properly. First, they should never be placed too close to flammable materials, such as bedding, furniture, blankets, and more. In addition, they should never be plugged into extension cords, as this has been known to lead to overheating and fires.
Damaged Wiring
Older electrical systems can have many problems, from brittle and cracked insulation to frayed and exposed wires. Damaged wiring leads to sparks and should be handled immediately by a professional through electrical repair or rewiring.
Why Choose Frasier’s For Electrical Services?
If you’re experiencing any of these issues in your Northern Wisconsin home, trust Frasier’s to provide you with the necessary safe and reliable electrical services. Our team has over a century of industry experience and provides a 100% guarantee on all jobs. Contact our team today to get honest pricing and fast response times.
Schedule electrical service with the team at Frasier’s by calling now.
