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Electrical fires are just as much a threat in the workplace as they are at home. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nonresidential buildings experienced $431,700,000 in fire loss in 2017 due to electrical malfunctions. As such, it’s important all office workers do their part to minimize hazards and protect against the need for fire damage repair. However, before you can take the proper precautions, you must first know why electrical fires often break out. Here are a few of the top causes.

Why Electrical Fires Commonly Occur in the Workplace

1. Outdated Wiring 

Buildings that are more than 20 years old may not have the wiring capacity to handle all the electronics used in modern-day offices. Therefore, outdated wiring is a major cause for concern, as it raises fire risk and the potential for fire damage repair. Keep an eye out for signs that the wiring in your workplace needs to be switched out, such as burning smells, sparks when plugging into outlets, flickering lights, and excessively hot appliances. 

2. Overloaded Circuits 

fire damage repairEach electrical circuit in your office is designed to handle a certain amount of electrical current safely. If you exceed this maximum and overload a circuit, you will significantly increase the chances of an electrical fire. This frequently happens when power strips are used to plug in computers, phone systems, copiers, fax machines, and kitchen appliances. If your office relies heavily on power strips, it’s best to consider having additional outlets installed.

3. Misuse of Extension Cords

Extension cords can allow you to get power in areas where standard-sized cords won’t reach an outlet. However, they are only meant to be a temporary solution and not used to house plugs for an extended period. Doing so can damage the cord, resulting in overheating, and overload the circuit, all of which can create a need for fire damage repair.  

 

 

In the unfortunate event an electrical fire does occur in your office, turn to the professionals at SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine/St. Augustine Beach. Backed by years of experience and a proven reputation, they have helped countless businesses throughout the northeast Florida area get back up and running after a disaster. They offer prompt and highly effective fire damage repair services and will work hard to save as many important company assets as possible. Call (904) 429-4457 to request a job estimate, or visit their website for more information on how they can restore your operations quickly. 

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