Pop Quiz: Do You Know the Top Causes of Electrical Fires and How to Prevent Them?

No one wants to be the victim of an electrical fire. No one wants to live in a home that could go up in flames at any point. Unfortunately, many people have no idea that they are living with one or more of the top causes of electrical fires. Keep reading to learn what they are. If you need help from a local electrician, contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126.

Electrical Wiring in Poor Shape

If your home is more than two decades old, then it is more likely than not that you have some amount of outdated or worn out electrical wiring. This is unfortunately the top cause of house fires. If your electrical system does not have the ability to meet the demands of today’s technology, then you could notice that your circuit breaker is constantly overloaded. This is a sign that your wiring needs to be updated. Call an electrician for an inspection right away.

Issues with Electrical Outlets

You might not realize that most electrical fires actually start within outlets. If an outlet is not grounded, it can spark, which could cause an electrical arc or start a fire. Even a grounded outlet can do this if the wiring behind it is loose. GFCI is used to prevent this by tripping the circuit if there is a short. If you see that your outlets are worn, if there are loose wires, or if there are other issues, call Sonner Electric for help right away.

Too Many Things Plugged into an Electrical Circuit

If you plug too many things into one power source, you significantly increase your chance of a house fire. Do not use a single extension cord to power several appliances or electronics. This can wear out the system and lead to fires. Instead, use multiple outlets. Make sure that your appliances have their own circuit. If your home is not equipped to do this, contact Sonner Electric right away.

Running Old Appliances

You might like the look of a vintage toaster oven, but it is likely not safe for you to use. Older appliances are far inferior when it comes to safety. They are made of less safe materials, are not constructed as soundly, and did not have to be built to the same safety regulations as today’s appliances. Old appliances are especially dangerous if they have loose wiring or frayed cords.

Call Today if You Need Help Making Your Home Safer

If you are not confident in the wiring in your home, contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126 and let us help. We can offer an assessment so that you know exactly what you need to do.