Top Causes of Electrical Fires

To keep your home, business, and family safe, it's important to understand what the risks and threats. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we shed light on some of the top culprits and what you can do to minimize your risk.

If you'd rather have a certified electrician come out and investigate, then call or message Mr. Electric to speak with a live representative. We're happy to schedule a convenient appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch to your home or business for as soon as possible.

USUAL SUSPECT: Outdated or Faulty Wiring

Homes and businesses from the last century weren’t built to handle today’s electrical load. If your wiring hasn’t been updated in the last few decades, then it may not be equipped to handle modern appliances, electronics, and lighting systems.

Wiring that’s frayed, brittle, or overheating is a fire hazard waiting to happen - but how do you inspect wiring in the walls? A certified electrician has the expertise, experience, and equipment to do that, but YOUR vigilance matters too. Look out for these warning signs of outdated or faulty wiring:

• Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Burning smells or discolored outlets
• Buzzing sounds behind walls

These red flags are nothing to brush off. Call Mr. Electric to have a local electrician investigate sooner rather than later.

USUAL SUSPECT: Overloaded Circuits

Have you ever plugged in your phone, laptop, lamp, fan, and space heater into the same power strip? It's convenient, sure, but also incredibly dangerous. Just like pouring a gallon of water into a pint cup will cause a spill, overloading the wiring will cause excess heat to build up and increase the chance of fire.

Instead, distribute your electronics, appliances, and devices across multiple outlets - and avoid daisy-chaining your power strips. If you're constantly running out of places to plug in, then it might be time to install additional outlets or upgrade your electrical panel.

USUAL SUSPECT: Misused Extension Cords

Extension cords are meant to be temporary solutions for momentary situations. Running an extension cord under a rug or behind furniture may seem harmless, but it creates real risks. These cords can overheat, become pinched or frayed, and ignite flammable materials.

If you rely on extension cords for daily use, then you likely need more dedicated outlets. Have a licensed electrician install them safely and up to code. The pros at Mr. Electric are here to help.

USUAL SUSPECT: Appliance Failures and Old Equipment

That old toaster you’ve had since college might still work, but it could also be a fire hazard. Appliances with frayed cords, loose plugs, and/or worn insulation are among the leading causes of residential electrical fires. So, the next time you fire up an old appliance, keep an eye out for:

• Sparks when plugging something in
• Cords that feel hot to the touch
• Unusual smells during use
• Plugs that don’t fit snug in the outlet

If any of these apply, it’s time to repair or replace the appliance - or have your outlet inspected. Loose, damaged, or heated electrical outlets can cause arcing, overheating, and sparks.

USUAL SUSPECT: Neglecting the Electrical System

Most property owners only schedule an electrical inspection when they’re buying or selling, but your electrical system ages... and wear and tear can create hidden hazards. Routine inspections can uncover problems before they become disasters.

If it has been over three years since you last schedule electrical service, then it's time to call an electrician. The certified electricians at Mr. Electric can test your circuits, check for outdated components, and offer safe solutions for any concerns.

Contact Mr. Electric Whenever You Need

There's no knowing when an electrical issue will turn into a disaster. Whether it's noon on a weekend or midnight on a weekday, you can call or message Mr. Electric to get in touch with a member of our team.