Keep Your Home Safe from Electrical Fires — Expert Tips from Big Family Electric
May is Electrical Fire Safety Month, and at Big Family Electric, your family’s safety is our top priority. Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S., but the good news is—they’re largely preventable with proper awareness and maintenance.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your home safe from electrical fire hazards, from identifying warning signs to knowing when it’s time to call a licensed electrician.
Why Electrical Fire Safety Matters
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures or malfunctions are a leading cause of home fires. These fires can be devastating, but with routine checks and smart prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Common Causes of Electrical Fires
Understanding the root causes helps prevent disaster before it starts. The most common culprits include:
- Overloaded outlets or power strips
- Outdated or faulty wiring
- Improper use of extension cords
- Damaged or aging electrical appliances
- Space heaters and other high-draw devices
Electrical Fire Prevention Tips for Your Home
Here are the top steps every homeowner should take to protect their property and loved ones:
- Don’t Overload Outlets: Plugging too many devices into one outlet or power strip can overheat circuits. Use power strips with surge protection and spread out your electrical use. If an appliance is a heat producing element in it, (hair dryer, curling iron, heater, toaster, microwave…) you should only plug one such appliance into that circuit. Most circuits are only rated for 15-20AMPs.
- Inspect Cords and Plugs: Look for frayed, cracked, or damaged cords. If a cord is hot to the touch or sparks, unplug it immediately and replace it. Frayed cords can cause arcing which can lead to fire, especially if there are flammable materials around it.
- Upgrade Old Wiring: If your home is over 30 years old, you may have outdated wiring that isn’t up to code. Wiring that was manufactured before 1975 needs to be inspected due to the use of aluminum and substandard insulations used. Flickering lights or frequent breaker trips? That’s your sign to call Big Family Electric for a full inspection. If a breaker trips immediately when you try to reset it without any load on it, it is indicating there is a significant issue, potentially with the wiring. Repeated resetting of the breaker will eventually lead to failure of this safety mechanism and could put your home at more risk for fire.
- Install AFCIs and GFCIs: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are modern safety devices that shut off power before a fire can start. We can help install or upgrade these in key areas of your home. Rewiring your home is a major investment, installing AFCIs and GFCIs are a safe economical option when rewiring your home isn’t financially feasible.
- Use Appliances Safely: Unplug small appliances when not in use, keep flammable items away from heat sources, and never leave cooking or space heaters unattended.
Be Ready with Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms are your first line of defense. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), nearly 3 out of 5 (59%) home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (43%) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16%). Install alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and common area. Test them monthly and replace the batteries twice a year.
Pro Tip: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
Don’t take chances with DIY electrical work. If you notice:
- Burning smells or discoloration around outlets
- Buzzing sounds from walls or panels
- Frequently tripped breakers or blown fuses
- Outlets that feel warm to the touch
…call Big Family Electric immediately. Our licensed electricians are trained to identify and fix problems before they become fire hazards.
Protect What Matters Most
At Big Family Electric, we treat your home like it’s our own. This Electrical Fire Safety Month, take the time to do a safety check—and if you’re unsure, let our experts handle it.
Schedule your visual safety inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is safe, secure, and up to code.
