A house fire can be devastating, even if your smoke alarms do their job and you manage to put it out shortly after it starts. Fortunately, the most common causes of electrical fires are preventable. You can keep your loved ones safe by knowing what causes such fires and making an active effort to avoid them. Below, the electrical contractors at M.R. Stoner Electric of Lee County, North Carolina, discuss some surprising causes of electrical blazes.

An Electrical Contractor on 3 Surprising Fire Hazards 

1. Overloaded Outlets

Overloaded outlets pose a serious fire hazard, especially around the holidays, when people are more likely to have home decor that requires electricity. Electrical contractors say you should never join more than three stands of lights together. If you have LED lights, you can plug up to seven strands together.

You should also avoid using a power strip to plug in any major appliances, as overloading could result. Extension cords are notorious for causing electrical fires as well, so only use them as a temporary measure, like when you are vacuuming out your car.  

2. Electric Stoves

Most house fires start in the kitchen, and, perhaps surprisingly, electric ranges that don’t even have an open flame are often to blame. You can reduce the risk of a blaze by monitoring the range at all times when it is in use and by keeping it clear of anything when it is off. If you place a bag of groceries on the stove because you ran out of counter space but it is still warm from when you last used it, a serious fire could result.  

3. Outdated Wiring

If your home is more than 20 years old, its wiring may not necessarily have the capacity to handle the kinds of electronics most families rely on today. Outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of electrical fires. If you are concerned about the wiring in your home, an electrical contractor can conduct a thorough inspection and advise you on the best way to proceed. 

If you are looking for friendly electrical contractor in North Carolina to inspect your home or appliances, turn to M.R. Stoner Electric. You can learn more about the residential services they provide by visiting their website. To discuss your needs with their knowledgeable local electricians, call (919) 774-8877.