Any fire, electrical or not, can cause untold damage in your home. Worse than that, fire creates a significant risk of injury or death to the house’s occupants. The problem with electrical fires is that they can start suddenly and seemingly without any warning. 

However, in most instances, there are warning signs homeowners can look for to prevent electrical fires. This is especially necessary for owners of older houses, where there is a higher likelihood of electrical problems because, as the homeowner, you do not have a full history of the house’s electrical maintenance.

Here are essential tips to ensure you address electrical issues before they cause a fire:

Electrical outlets

The most common cause of electrical fires is damaged or aged electrical outlets. They should be checked regularly to be sure that they are in working order. 

Signs to look for that could indicate a problem with an outlet include scorching, which creates brown or black marks on the outlet and is usually accompanied by a burning smell when the outlet is in use. This indicates a wiring fault that causes overheating. 

Another thing to look for is a gap between the outlet and the wall, and any exposed wires that are visible. There should be no cracks or holes around an electrical outlet, and the cover should be well-fastened to the wall.

Extension cords

Extension cords should be a temporary solution to an electrical supply problem. Unfortunately, many people keep them in place indefinitely, unaware of the risk they pose. When you use an extension cord, multiple items are plugged into the end of it, which risks an overload of the outlet. 

If there is a shortage of power outlets in your home, contact an electrician in Louisville residents rely on for prompt, competitively priced, professional service. Older houses tend to have insufficient electrical outlets as they were built during times when people relied less on electricity than they do today. Bates Electrical can install additional outlets in various rooms in your home, thereby reducing your reliance on extension cords.

Power cords

Plugs and cords of any devices or appliances plugged into electrical sockets should be subjected to routine inspections. If the plug and cord have separated, and you can see exposed wiring, do not use that item until after plug replacement. 

Melted cords are also an indication that something is wrong, as they are either overheating because of supply from the socket or they have been placed too close to heating sources. A melted power cord can start a fire within seconds.

Unplug

There are several appliances in the home that should be unplugged when not in use. Heat-producing appliances left plugged in account for a significant percentage of electrical fires. Always unplug heaters, kettles, toasters, irons, and hair equipment, such as straighteners and curlers.

Keep instruction manuals for such appliances so that you are aware of safety precautions and other instructions for safe use that will prevent an electrical malfunction. Register for notifications of recalls from the manufacturer as there are occasions when a production fault can cause an electrical fire.

Warning signs

Additional warning signs include a distribution board that keeps tripping. This means that the breaker is working correctly, as it trips the circuit before it can overheat. However, locating the source of the overheating is vital to solving the problem causing the tripping.

Flickering lights, especially when you have recently replaced globes, could indicate a wiring problem. If you see sparks or feel a slight shock when plugging something in, take this as a serious warning sign that you need to have an electrical contractor check your electrical systems.