Are Any of These Electrical Fire Hazards in Your Home?

Electricity is an essential part of everyday life. From that first cup of coffee in the morning to plugging your phone in at night, you are probably using electricity at all hours of the day. It feels like forever ago that all you had plugged into your Wauwatosa home were the lights, a few appliances, a TV, and the landline.

Now, your home provides electricity to cell phones, gaming consoles, multiple computers, smart devices, and even your car! With so much of your life relying on electricity, it’s just as easy to forget just how quickly an electrical fire can start.

In honor of Fire Prevention Month, Merle has compiled a list of often-overlooked electrical safety concerns to help keep you and your family safe. Electrical fires can start suddenly and spread quickly. Taking precautionary measures and following manufacturer guidelines is one of the best ways to reduce your home’s risk of an electrical fire.

Here are some hidden fire hazards you may have in your home:

Are there any two-pronged outlets in your home?

• Not only do many appliances use three-prong outlets, but two-prong outlets aren’t grounded. This means that there is no safety if something plugged into that outlet shorts out, or if there’s a power surge, increasing the risk of shock, circuit malfunction, and electrical fire. We are more than happy to assist in upgrading your electrical outlets to keep you and your family safe.

Do all of your outlets work?

• Modern outlets fall into two categories: GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter). These outlets are designed for electrical safety. GFCI outlets are traditionally installed in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, such as your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. AFCI outlets are installed to protect against arc faults caused by damaged or deteriorating wiring, loose connections, or damaged appliances. It’s important that all of your outlets are working so they can trip and stop the flow of electricity in the event of an arc fault or ground fault. If your outlets aren’t working, it’s important to get them repaired or replaced quickly.

Are you using power strips for appliances or space heaters?

• Power strips are a handy way to add more outlets when your room may only have one or two. It’s important to note that power strips have a limited power current they can supply. They are made for electronics that don’t require a large amount of power, like charging your phone or powering your TV. Using a power strip to power an appliance or space heater is dangerous. These devices require lots of power, which heats the power strip, increasing the fire risk.

Are you using cords or power strips with frayed wiring?

• The plastic or rubber material that surrounds the wires of your cords and power strips is insulation, an essential safety component. It keeps the electricity contained while it flows from the outlet to your device. When the coating starts to fray, those internal wires are exposed, just asking for shock and electrical fires.

Are you being safe with heated blankets?

• Fall and winter are the perfect time to break out the heated blanket and get cozy on the couch with a warm cup of tea and a good book. But, heated blankets are still electrical devices, and it’s important to use them safely. Do not keep your heated blanket on all night. Most have a built-in timer, so they will automatically shut off after a certain period of time. When you use a heated blanket, never fold it. This can damage the wiring inside and cause it to overheat.

There may be times when you find yourself without enough outlets, or you think you can get a few more charges out of your flaky old phone charger, but safety should always come first. Electricity let’s us enjoy new forms of entertainment and streamline our routines. When you add new electrical components to your home, it’s a good idea to schedule an electrical panel inspection to make sure your home can accommodate your needs safely.

Capital Wants to Keep Your Home Safe

If you have loose plugs, outdated outlets, or too few power plugs, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to make sure you and your family are A-OK, even as your kids keep adding new gaming consoles to the game room and you find new kitchen appliances that make your life a little sweeter.