Most Common Electrical Causes of House Fires
Most Common Electrical Causes of House Fires
Most Common Electrical Causes of House Fires
Most Common Electrical Causes of House Fires
Most Common Electrical Causes of House Fires
In the United States, there are nearly 30,000 electrical fires each year, resulting in over 300 deaths and an estimated $1.1 billion in property damage.
The winter months pose the highest risk for electrical fires, with electric heaters being the primary culprits in most cases. However, other factors contribute to fire incidents, including wiring defects, appliance failures, and the overloading of electrical outlets or extension cords. If you see any of the below situations in your home, call your emergency electrician in Rancho Cordova now!

The Top Electrical Fire Causes
Here are the most common causes of electrical fires and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Aging Appliances and Faulty Outlets:
Faults in appliance cords, receptacles, and switches, especially those with worn or frayed cords, can generate dangerous heat levels, potentially igniting surfaces like rugs and curtains. You may need rewiring in Rancho Cordova to fix these issues.
2. Extension Cord Misuse
Large appliances should never be connected to an extension cord. If outlets are scarce, it’s advisable to install additional ones. Too many things plugged into one cord can also cause a power outage in Rancho Cordova.
3. Overloading Light Fixtures
Installing high-wattage bulbs in lamps or fixtures not designed for them is a prevalent cause of electrical fires. Always stick to the recommended wattage.
4. Old Wiring Concerns
Homes older than twenty years may lack the capacity for today’s energy demands. Outdated breaker boxes with worn connectors can lead to system overloads, posing a fire risk. An electrical panel upgrade in Rancho Cordova may be necessary to prevent these problems.
5. Proximity of Flammable Materials to Light Fixtures
Placing cloth or paper near a lampshade can lead to material overheating and ignition, resulting in a fire hazard.
6. Use of Ungrounded Plugs
Appliances with a third prong are designed for outlets capable of handling higher wattage. Bypassing the grounding feature on an appliance or power cord is a safety risk that should be avoided. Need to upgrade your outlets in Rancho Cordova? We can help!
7. Space Heater Risks
Placing electric heaters too close to flammable surfaces like curtains, bedding, or furniture is a leading cause of house fires. Prefer liquid-filled “soft heat” electric heaters over coil space heaters when possible. Make sure you get whole house surge protection in Rancho Cordova, CA, too, so your space heater’s electrical needs don’t overwhelm the circuit.
To safeguard your home in Rancho Cordova, CA, against electrical fire risks, trust Gubrud’s Electrical Services. Our electricians in Sacramento County can assess your electrical system, identify potential hazards, and recommend solutions to ensure your home’s safety. Don’t overlook the importance of a secure electrical setup – contact us today for a comprehensive inspection and professional guidance.

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