Electrical fires account for over a billion dollars in property damage and injure thousands of people in the U.S. annually. But, with the help of a licensed electrician and a few safety measures, you can significantly reduce the threat of an electrical fire in your home. Here are three steps to take.

How to Prevent Electrical Fires

1. Hire a Professional Electrician to Inspect Your Wiring

Your electrical wiring won’t be in good condition forever. If you have an older home, you may be due for an electrical inspection. Take note that many older homes use aluminum wiring that tends to overheat more quickly than newer copper ones. A qualified electrician should update your wiring every 10 years to reduce the threat of electrical fires. If you just moved into your home, have the wiring checked as soon as possible to see if there are any issues with the fuses, circuit breakers, or electric service capacity.

2. Don’t Overload Your Circuits

When you plug too many appliances into one outlet source, power strip, or extension cord, you increase the likelihood of causing an electrical fire. This is because a power source has a set level of recommended amperage, and plugging in too many devices will make you go over this limit. The U.S. Fire Administration suggests that power strips should come with internal overload protection to make the strips shut off in the event of an overload. Additionally, refrain from using extension cords for an extended amount of time. It is always better to plug into an outlet directly to avoid overloading.

3. Don’t Ignore Signs of Electrical Trouble

Don’t delay calling an electrician if you notice signs of faulty wiring. Some symptoms include electrical sparks when you plug an item in, flickering lights, buzzing outlets, and tripping breakers. These can all produce sparks that may lead to an electrical fire. Also, be wary of any fuse box or extension cord that feels warm, as this is a common indicator of unsafe wiring or excessive current passing through the circuits. This can result in an overload, causing a fire.

Hiring a dependable electrician will help keep you and your family safe from electrical fires. Contact Zelek Electric in New London County, CT, when you need dedicated and personalized solar power and electrical services. Their electrical contractors specialize in solar installations, electrical wiring troubleshooting, and generator repairs for commercial and residential clients. Call them today at (860) 434-9726 to discuss your electrical concerns, or visit their website for a comprehensive list of their products and services.