Electrical Outlets & Home Fires - What to Look For

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Need to charge your phone, plug in your hairdryer or mixer? Electrical outlet. Need to start a fire? Not an electrical outlet. Outlets are one of the top causes of electrical fires. Home electrical fires account for over five thousand fires a year, resulting in billions of dollars in property damage, injury, and death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over a fifth of home electrical fires are caused by outlets. Electrical fires are scary, but how do you avoid them? What should you even look for? 

Overloaded outlets not only look bad but are dangerous. When an outlet is overloaded, it carries too much electricity and will generate lots of heat. The heat will create wear on the internal wiring system and can start a fire. Avoid plugging in more than two appliances in an outlet, and I know what you are thinking, “what if I just plug in an extension cord? Then can I plug in more appliances?” Nope, that is called ‘piggybacking,’ and it’s not safer and can produce even more heat, making it exponentially riskier. One should only temporarily use extension cords and NEVER use a space heater or an air conditioner on an extension cord. If you really need more outlets somewhere, consult a qualified electrician. 

Outdated outlets can also create issues. As the wires behind the outlet become older, they could loosen or break, causing a fire. The wiring system behind outlets will have a fuse or circuit breakers that will disconnect when the outlet is overloaded. However, an improperly installed fuse or circuit breaker could eliminate this safety focus. Ask an electrician to inspect your house to ensure that it meets safety standards. 

Not only the wiring for the outlet wear, but the blades within the outlet can as well. This will be present if, after plugging an appliance in, the cord will fall out. Perhaps, this happening may seem just annoying, but it can be dangerous. The loosened blades will generate heat, potentially causing an electrical fire. If you notice this, your best bet is to replace the outlet as soon as you can. 

Home electrical fires with the cause being outlets is an easily preventable worry. Precautions are the wise man’s protection. Checking for the telltale signs and guaranteeing that your home meets safety standards are simple ways to keep peace of mind. Danger may lurk, but you will be prepared.