Electricity is a powerful force that helps make our lives more convenient. Without proper maintenance and inspection, they can easily cause a fire. Home electrical fires are a serious safety concern, with over 45,000 occurring yearly. Lighting equipment and faulty electrical wiring are the two leading causes, accounting for about half of all fires.
Many of these fires are preventable with proper maintenance of existing electrical systems, correct use of extension cords, and ensuring all wiring and light fixtures are up to code.
It is advisable to keep in mind the safety standards when handling electricity at your home and consult a professional electrician if any doubt arises. Keeping these tips in mind can help keep your family and home safe.
Replace Old Wiring
As homes age, their electrical wiring can become worn, putting the home and its occupants at a higher risk of fire. Old wiring can cause an electrical overload, which can cause sparking and arcing. In addition, the insulation of the wiring can break down over time, leading to exposed wires that could cause a fire.
Having an electrician replace old wiring can help reduce the risk of fire at your Arlington, TX home. An electrician can inspect the wiring and look for any signs of damage or fraying. If any damage is spotted, a professional can replace the wiring with newer wiring that meets current safety standards.
Add More Outlets
Extension cords are helpful tools and are great for providing temporary power solutions. However, these devices should never be a permanent solution to electrical problems. Overloading extension cords by plugging in too many electronics can cause them to overheat, leading to a potential fire hazard.
It is always best to contact a certified electrician to install new outlets in areas of your home that do not have them. This will increase the convenience of having access to electrical outlets and ensure all outlets are up to code and are correctly installed to avoid any safety risks.
Additionally, having a professional install extra outlets can be beneficial in rooms with multiple appliances and electronics, as it will ensure your house has enough power to accommodate the extra load.
Have an Electrical Inspection
Scheduling a regular home electrical inspection is crucial in ensuring your house is safe and hazard-free. During the check-up, an electrician can inspect your entire electrical system and identify potential risks, such as improper wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty outlets, and other hazards that could cause damage to you or your home.
A professional may also recommend the necessary steps to fix the issue, such as updating your electrical system, ensuring it meets current safety standards and rewiring any outdated or faulty components. This will ensure that your home is free of any potential risks, and you can rest assured that your Arlington, TX home is safe and secure.
Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
Heat-generating appliances such as electric kettles, irons, and heaters are potential fire hazards if not properly managed. If left on for an extended period or if they malfunction, these appliances can generate enough heat to cause a fire.
Disrupting heat-generating appliances when not in use is crucial to prevent a potential fire hazard. This is particularly important when leaving the house or going to bed.
Additionally, it is crucial to hire an electrician to regularly inspect these appliances to ensure that they are in proper working order and that any potential issues are addressed before they become a safety concern.
It is also advisable to handle heat-generating appliances carefully and safely. It is advisable not to operate them in moist areas since it can increase the risk of starting a fire. If an appliance malfunctions, it would be best to contact a professional for help.
Install Smoke Alarms
Installing the appropriate number of smoke detectors in your home is crucial for your safety in the case of an electrical fire. Smoke detectors alert you of smoke, providing an early warning and giving you extra time to evacuate safely.
Ideally, there should be one smoke detector every 21 feet in your house, including each bedroom and outside sleeping areas. It is also essential to install these devices in the basement, attic, and garage, as smoke can travel through these areas and affect multiple rooms in your home.
Finally, it is best to hire a professional electrician for the project since such an expert can adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines, including the type and location of the detector, the power source, and any maintenance requirements.
Keep Flammable Materials Away
Keeping fabric items, including bedding, dish towels, and rugs, away from electrical devices is crucial to prevent fire and other damage. The distance should be far enough away that if an appliance such as a space heater or iron were to overheat and catch fire, the fabric items would not be close enough to burst into flames as well.
Additionally, any flammable liquids, like gasoline, should be stored far away from outlets. The safest place to store these liquids is in a secure area, such as a garage, but even then, they should still be kept at a safe distance from any electrical outlet.
Taking the time to store these items properly can help prevent potential fires or other damage to your home and the belongings you keep in it.
Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are vital devices in protecting your home from electrical fires. In the event of a power surge, they will save your electrical system from being overloaded and potentially causing an electrical fire.
An electrician installing surge protectors can ensure your electrical system is safe and not at risk of causing a fire. They can also protect your appliances and electronics from damage.
Talk to the Experts
Take action to prevent electrical hazards in your Arlington, TX home! Ensure the electrical wiring is up to code and always unplug any unused appliances from outlets, and never overload a single outlet with too many plugs.
If you need help, contact professional electricians at Tioga Plumbing & Electric to ensure the safety of your family and property. With the proper knowledge and tools, we can help you identify potential hazards and find ways to keep your home safe.
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