What You Can Do to Help Prevent Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are among the most common types of fires that affect homes in the U.S. They can seemingly start out of nowhere, but they can be traced back to specific electrical issues. Your local Wexford electrician can help protect your home with a safe electrical system that meets all of your needs.

Make Sure Your Electrical Panel Is Up to Date

Your electrical panel is the first line of defense against electrical fires. The breakers in your panel trip when a circuit is drawing too much power. This stops wiring and fixtures from heating up to dangerous temperatures.

However, outdated panels can’t protect your home as effectively. New panels include a variety of advanced safety features and provide the necessary capacity for modern life. If your home is older than 20 years, a panel upgrade could be needed.

Use Extension Cords Safely

Extension cords are convenient, but they can also be serious fire risks. First, make sure to buy high-quality cables with a thickness of 14- or 12-gauge so they can handle the current from the circuit without overheating. Avoid running power-hungry devices like space heaters using an extension cord.

Check extension cords for signs of damage such as fraying, exposed wires, or cracked insulation. If you’re running extension cords outside, use cords that are specially rated for outdoor use.

Consider Whole-Home Surge Protection

You likely already use power strip surge protectors for many devices around your home. However, you can improve protection against grid surges with whole-home surge protection.

A whole-home surge protector is installed at the electrical panel to protect your home’s entire electrical system. This prevents damage to the panel itself, the wiring in your walls, and anything you have plugged into outlets around your home.

See What a Wexford Electrician Can Do for Your Home

Every home is different, so the best way to address specific electrical fire risks is to reach out to a Wexford electrician. The team at Hogue Electric Services can evaluate your home and provide effective electrical repairs and upgrades to reduce fire risks. Reach out today to find the electrical solution for your home.