Electrical problems are one of the more common causes of fires across the country, so it’s important to make sure your electrical system is in good shape. Here’s what you need to know about an electrical fire and how you can prevent one from happening in your Baltimore home.
What Is an Electrical Fire?
When there’s a fire in your home, one of the first things firefighters will do is work to determine the cause. It could be anything from a short circuit to an electric heater left running overnight. When a fire is caused by electrical failure or malfunction, it’s considered an electrical fire. Today’s homes have a lot of electrical components, any of which could cause a fire if they’re not properly installed and maintained. Prevention is key.
Preventing Electrical Fires
As far as preventing electrical fires in your home, one of the best things is to have your wiring inspected. Wiring has a lifespan like everything else in your home, and you shouldn’t expect it to last longer than 30-40 years. If you use outdated wiring, that lifespan could be even shorter. In addition to inspecting your wiring, you should also replace damaged or loose electrical cords, avoid using extension cords for major appliances, replace wall outlets that don’t fit snugly in the wall, and only use power strips and surge protectors that have been tested for safety.
Handling Electrical Fires
If there is an electrical fire in your home, it’s important to know how to handle it. The first thing you should do is use a Class C fire extinguisher if you can’t cut the power at its source. If you can cut off the power, a Class A extinguisher will work. Next, smother the fire with a fire blanket to make sure it’s put completely out.
Electrical fires cause devastating damage in homes across the country every year, so keeping an eye on your electrical system is crucial. If you’re looking for some of the best residential electrical service Cockeysville has to offer, you can count on Tim Kyle Electric. Give us a call to learn more about how we can help you prevent electrical fires.