When you think of water and fire damage restoration, you probably think of structural fires and floods. There are several more scenarios where electricity will increase the risk of causing fires in properties. While the possibility of a short circuit could occur, it is also possible that electrical wiring and water sources could lead to a loss of life or financial hardship. Here are five common reasons homeowners need water and fire damage restoration from ABH Services.
USFA ELECTRICAL FIRE REPORT Facts
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical problems contribute to residential fires. Most of these electrical fires could have been prevented by residents as the cause pre-existed.
- The most common things that ignite fires include wiring, cable insulation, and framing.
- Electrical fires start because of failure, malfunctioning, short-circuiting, or aging parts.
- 6% of residential fires occur because of electrical issues.
- 83% of electrical fires occur in one or two-family structures.
- 83% of residential electrical fires spread beyond where the fire ignited.
- About 12% of electrical fires occur in January because of heating and light issues.
- Electrical fires commonly start in bedrooms (15%) or attic and crawl spaces (13%)
- Customers often need water and fire damage restoration after a fire is extinguished.
Top Electrical Fire Causes
- Faulty Appliances And Electrical Outlets
Appliances and faulty electrical outlets are common problems as they tend to be outdated or unsuited for switches, cords, or outlets. It is fire safety best practices to avoid extension cords with appliances. You must also not use cords inappropriately that have two and three-prong electrical outlets.
You should also check to ensure the appliance cord is not old, frayed, or fragmented. Sparks and combustion are possible when in contact with wooden flooring, carpets, rugs, or curtains. These residential fires often require water sources to extinguish the fires during emergency service.
- Light Fixtures And Water Leaks
Electrical fires often occur when water leaks into the attic and ends up in the ceiling where a home’s light fixtures and wiring are. Other causes include short circuits, wattage issues in light fixtures, and cloth near bulbs. Faulty light fixtures and wiring do ignite and cause serious fires in homes.
- Appliances And Extension Cords
One of the most common issues in homes or businesses is having to use cords because of short lines or inconveniently placed plugs. Appliances that are not plugged into outlets are prime candidates for house fires. Appliances should never be plugged into extension cords for safety. If an appliance lacks the appropriate plug for an outlet, call your electrician.
- Faulty Heating Sources
The reason many fires occur in the wintertime is the use of heating sources such as space heaters. Because personal heaters are meant to heat small spaces, people tend to place them on or near combustible surfaces. Some heaters also have parts that can ignite when reaching a higher temperature. If you have flammable household items nearby, it will cause an unsafe situation. It is best to use radiator heaters as they have safer reputations.
- Faulty Or Out-Dated Wiring
If your home or business is older than two decades, you may have outdated wiring. With the advancements in technology today, properties lack the right wiring capacity to deal with electrical appliance capacities. If you have repeated circuit breaker trips, get an electrical inspection.
ABH Services is located in Malden, Massachusetts but we also service Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Contact us at 781-941-2422 or www.facebook.com/abhservices/.