Tips to Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home

Electrical fires are a serious hazard, but the good news is they’re often avoidable with the right precautions. As homeowners, it’s essential to be aware of potential electrical risks and know how to prevent them. Here’s a breakdown of some simple tips to keep your home safe from electrical fires.

1. Don’t Overload Your Outlets

One of the most common causes of electrical fires is overloaded outlets. You might be tempted to plug in multiple devices, especially in rooms with fewer outlets. But too many electronics plugged into a single power source can cause overheating.

Tip: Use power strips with built-in surge protectors and, if possible, spread your devices across multiple outlets.

2. Check Your Electrical Cords

Frayed, damaged, or worn-out electrical cords are a fire hazard waiting to happen. Exposed wires are dangerous because they can spark and cause a fire, especially if they come in contact with flammable materials like carpets or curtains.

Tip: Regularly inspect cords for damage and replace them immediately if they show any signs of wear.

3. Avoid Running Cords Under Carpets

It might be tempting to hide electrical cords under rugs to keep them out of sight, but this is a major fire hazard! Cords can overheat when covered, and if they’re damaged, they could easily start a fire without you even noticing.

Make sure you keep cords visible and out in the open. If you need to tidy up loose cords, use clips or cord organisers like these D-Line 30 x 10mm 1.8m Black Medium Duty Floor Covers - from Bunnings.

4. Upgrade Old Wiring

Older homes are often charming, but their wiring may not be up to the demands of our modern-day electronics. If your home is more than 20 years old and hasn’t had its wiring updated, it could be more vulnerable to electrical fires.

Tip: Have your friendly local electrician assess your home’s wiring and consider upgrading to safer, more efficient electrical systems if necessary.

5. Safety Switch Protection

Safety switches can save lives. Safety switches turn off the power immediately if an electrical fault is detected – preventing the risk of electric shock, death and fire. They need to be tested regularly to ensure they are working effectively! 

For more information on safety switches, you can visit these helpful links, here and here. 

6. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Appliances that stay plugged in when not in use, especially older ones, can still draw electricity. Over time, this can lead to overheating and even fires.

Tip: Get into the habit of unplugging appliances like toasters, kettles, and heaters when you’re done using them.

7. Keep Flammable Items Away from Electrical Devices

Sometimes, it’s the simple things we overlook. Placing flammable items like paper, curtains, or blankets near electrical devices or outlets can be dangerous. Ensure there’s a safe distance between flammable materials and anything that produces heat or electricity.

8. Be Mindful of Space Heaters

Space heaters are great for keeping warm in the winter, but they’re also one of the leading causes of electrical fires. Ensure they’re placed on stable surfaces away from anything that could catch fire. Always keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.

9. Don’t Ignore Flickering Lights or Burning Smells

Flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or a persistent burning smell are red flags that something might be wrong with your electrical system. These signs could indicate faulty wiring, a loose connection, or an overloaded circuit.

Tip: If you notice any of these warning signs, call a licensed electrician immediately to inspect and fix the issue!

10. Regularly Test Smoke Detectors
Your first line of defence in case of a fire is a working smoke detector. Make sure you have smoke detectors installed in key areas of your home, and test them regularly to ensure they’re functioning.

Tip: Change the batteries at least once a year and replace the detectors every 10 years.

Preventing electrical fires doesn’t require a huge investment or a lot of time—just some mindfulness and regular upkeep. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home and keep your family safe. 

If you ever have concerns about the safety of your electrical system, don’t hesitate to give your local licensed electrician a call. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!