In 2017, there were around 371,500 residential fires in the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, many of these were caused by underlying electrical issues within the home. If you’re hoping to avoid these issues but aren’t sure where to start, use the following guide to find out what you can do and when you should get in touch with an electrical contractor.

What Causes Electrical Fires?

1. Cords & Cables

While many of our tools and electronics have made the switch to wireless technology, cables and wires are still a common cause of electrical fires. For example, when that third, thick prong (the grounding plug) is removed from a cable and inserted into a two-prong-only outlet, the outlet can no longer withstand the amount of power the appliance is pulling, causing it to overheat and catch fire. Problems also arise when cords are run underneath rugs, as the friction of people walking on the rug wears away at the cable’s protective coating, exposing the hot wires and bringing them into contact with flammable materials.

2. Light Fixtures

Before replacing that burnt-out lightbulb above your bathroom vanity, it’s crucial to find out what wattage the fixture requires. The same goes for floor lamps, pendant lights, and other lighting fixtures. If you use a bulb that requires too many watts, it will pull an excessive amount of power from the fixture, potentially causing a fire. If any lighting fixtures seem to flicker, not respond to the switch, or display other signs of malfunction, avoid using them until they’ve been inspected and repaired.

3. Outdated Wiring

Issues can also arise when a home’s wiring—which runs through walls, in ceilings, and connects to the breaker box—is decades old. After about 20 years, the wires will need to be replaced to keep up with the electrical load your home requires. From large flat-screen TVs to smart appliances, older wiring systems are too weak to accommodate modern needs. If your breakers are frequently tripping, you might be at risk of an electrical overload and a subsequent house fire.

To avoid the dangers of a house fire, reach out to Mueller Electric of Ashland, KY. These electrical contractors will carefully inspect your outlets, switches, and wiring for existing issues and upgrade outdated components before they cause serious problems. In business since 1994, you can trust them to tackle everything from routine fixes to major home improvement projects. Learn more about their services by visiting the website, and call (606) 325-0275 today to speak with an electrical contractor.