We have made enormous strides in electrical safety. Even though we use more electronics and electrical equipment, we are becoming more aware of the causes of fire and how to prevent them. But, fire is still a considerable risk, and electrical fires cause over 50,000 fires a year. Arcing faults cause about half of those.

What is an arcing fault?

As houses age, the wiring and wiring connections also decay. If witing becomes corroded or weak, it can lose continuity, creating a spark or an arcing when electricity runs through it. Sometimes, a homeowner can hear arcing, as it can sound like hissing or buzzing. However, many homes now stand empty for a good portion of the day, along with electronics. An electrical arc can cause a fire that remains undetected for hours without anyone there to notice.

How can I prevent an arcing fault?

There are several things a homeowner can do to safeguard against an arcing fault and fire caused by one. Here are a few:

• Make sure wiring isn’t dated. Old wiring is unsafe.

• Keep the circuit breaker box up to date to meet with the load demand of the home.

• Retrofit two-prong outlets for three-prong outlets.

• Have an electrician rewire the home and add breakers when needed.

• Add an AFCI if necessary.

Food preparation

A pan containing hot grease left unattended on the stove can burst into flames and start a house on fire. Never move a burning pan, as spilled grease will spill the fire, which can then spread rapidly.  

Food appliances come with a set of instructions that should be meticulously followed. Barbecue grills are another item that can cause a fire if not properly monitored or if misused. Toasters, toaster ovens, and other food cooking appliances should never be used with an extension cord or left unattended during the cooking process.

Heat appliances

From curling irons to space heaters, there is a whole gauntlet of heating appliances that should be treated as though they have the potential to cause a fire or a bad burn. Even when leaving the room for just a few moments, it’s reasonable to turn them off. It’s also wise to throw them away if the cord becomes damaged or compromised. These are also unsafe when plugged into an extension cord or even a strip GFCI. 

The area surrounding a heating appliance should be monitored for any flammable object, pets or children who could inadvertently know it over or pull it off the counter, and other potential hazards. 

Lighting

Always respect the maximum wattage of light fixtures. Even better, switch to low wattage LED lighting, which is not only safer but also offers a better bang for the buck because they last so long. 

This is not a comprehensive overview of all electrical dangers. However, it might help you reconsider your electrical system with a new eye on safety. Keep your smoke detectors up to date, unplug appliances you aren’t using, and if you have any questions or concerns, give us a call.

If you need a highly-reviewed, licensed electrician in the Phoenix Valley area, call Efficient Electric at 623-900-1461. We would love to hear from you!