Why Do Home Electrical Fires Still Happen?
Unless the power goes out, we don’t think much about the electricity coursing through the wires in its walls and ceilings. But your electrical system could be harboring problems that threaten both your property and your life. U.S. fire departments annually responded to 45, 210 home structure fires involving electrical failure or malfunction between 2010 and 2014, according the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires resulted in 420 deaths, 1,370 injuries, and $1.4 billion in direct property damage each year. How electrical fires happen Your home could be at risk whether it was built last century or last year. Fortunately, electrical fires are preventable if you know what risks to look for. Here are the most common culprits: Old appliances : Appliances that don’t meet modern safety standards or that have frayed cords or damaged plugs are one of the biggest causes of home electrical fires. Older appliances draw more power than today’s outlets are built to handle, and...