How to Prevent Electrical Fires at Home: 10 Helpful Tips

From plugging in devices to programming the automatic coffee maker, most households run on electricity all day, every day. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to prevent electrical fires that are hazardous to your personal safety and home.

Thankfully, this is a highly preventable problem with some simple steps homeowners can take immediately by following home electrical safety tips. Here are 10 ways to prevent electrical fires at home.

1. Conduct an Electrical Inspection

Wiring is not designed to last forever, so hiring an electrician to conduct an electrical inspection is a good idea if you live in an older home. This type of inspection is also recommended during the home-buying process so potential buyers are aware of any outstanding electrical issues or fire risks.

During the inspection, ask the electrician about the home’s wiring status and type. It’s important to know what kind of wiring runs through your house since aluminum wiring is more susceptible to electrical fires than copper wiring.

2. Don’t Overload Outlets

The electrical circuits in your home send power to each outlet, but there is a limit on how much each one can handle. While it’s tempting to simply plug in an extension cord, you should be aware of the risk of overloading an outlet. 

When plugging in multiple items to one outlet, always use a surge protector and carefully monitor your electricity usage. And if your entertainment area needs to house a TV, several streaming devices, and a laptop, consider hiring a local electrician to install additional sockets to help spread out the electrical burden and prevent a fire at home.

3. Use GFCI Outlets

Ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets (GFCI) protect you from an electrical ground fault, fires, and overheating. A professional electrician can install GFCI outlets, and add GFCI into circuit breakers and portable devices for ground fault protection, even when GFCI isn’t on a circuit. A GFCI monitors the current flowing through a circuit, and if the current varies by 5 milliamps, suggesting that a ground fault might occur, the GFCI will shut off power nearly immediately, preventing electrocution. 

GFCIs are especially important to have anywhere there is an outlet near water, as water creates a higher electrocution risk. GFCIs are now required by the National Electric Code (NEC) in new kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and in outdoor receptacles to lower the risk of electrical fire. 

4. Keep Flammable Materials Away From Outlets

It’s best to store any fabric items such as bedding, towels, and rugs a good distance away from electrical outlets and other hot devices. This tip is especially important to practice when there are hot devices, including space heaters or irons, that are plugged into outlets. Also, pay attention to the storage location of any flammable liquids, including lighter fluid and gasoline. Even in a garage, these liquids need to be kept a safe distance away from outlets to help prevent a fire in your home.  

5. Watch for Cord or Plug Damage

Keep an eye out for any cords or wiring that show signs of fraying or ripping. Damaged electrical components overheat more easily, and you should replace them as soon as possible. Plugs can also show signs of being worn out or damaged, making them more likely to overheat or spark. Be aware of plugs that feel hot to the touch, indicating a larger electrical problem that you should address immediately.

In some instances, such as with a large appliance, you can often purchase a replacement cord. In other cases, like a lamp with a faulty plug, the safest option is to replace the entire unit.  

6. Minimize the Number Of Appliances

Additional kitchen appliances like instant pots and air fryers are all the rage right now, but be aware of when and where you plug them in. Be sure not to overload a kitchen outlet with too many appliances, and always unplug units when they are not being used. 

In addition, regularly check older appliances for damaged or frayed electrical cords, which can cause an additional risk for a fire. If your toaster, microwave, or other appliance emits sparks or begins smoking, stop use immediately, unplug it, and call an electrician to help prevent an electrical fire at home. After identifying the issue, repair the appliance or replace it.

7. Pay Attention to Flickering and Sparks

Unusual signs of electrical activity, including flickering lights or a strange buzzing from an outlet, can be a telltale sign of an electrical problem. Don’t ignore the issue, as it could be a sign of a potential fire hazard. Instead, discontinue using the light or outlet and call a professional electrician to diagnose and troubleshoot the issue. 

8. Unplug Devices When Not in Use

Whether you’re leaving the house for the supermarket or going on a weekend getaway, take time to unplug your devices before you go. Power outages and other electrical issues can happen at any time, and if there is food or another flammable object on or near the device, it can spark a fire. 

In addition, cords can overheat in the instance of an unexpected power surge. There’s another good reason to unplug: you’ll save some money on your energy bill. Even when not in use, many devices still draw electricity when plugged in.

9. Be Wary of Electric Space Heaters

The National Fire Protection Association says that space heaters play a role in over 30% of home heating-related fires (including water heaters and fireplaces), and 88% of associated deaths. Many newer space heaters have built-in safety components, such as a thermal shutoff and a power shutoff if the heater gets too hot, but it’s still wise to use these devices with caution. 

Never put your space heater anywhere except the floor (not on a bench or a desk), keep it away from water and flammable items, and don’t ever leave it unattended. Most manufacturers advise against plugging space heaters into surge protectors, extension cords, or GFCI outlets; stick to standard wall outlets for these devices. 

10. Install the Correct Number of Smoke Alarms

In the case of an electrical fire, having the correct number of smoke detectors installed in your home can make a huge difference. There should be a unit approximately every 21 feet in your home, including in every bedroom and outside of every sleeping area. Don’t forget to include alarms in areas such as the basement, garage, and attic. 

It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand at all times. Since you can’t put out electrical fires with water, an extinguisher can help tackle smaller outbreaks.