Electrical Fires. Unfortunately they happen in homes and businesses across the United States every day.  The question is, how do you keep it from happening to you?

More than 1/3 of all U.S. houses (over 30 million homes!) are more than 50 years old. Since Eisenhower was in office we have continued to add bigger and better appliances that draw more power than older wiring is capable of handling.  Microwaves, computers, printers, hair dryers, flat screen televisions…all of these can deteriorate older wiring and create a fire hazard.

There are 28,300 fires annually that are electrically related, leading to 360 deaths, thousands of injuries and $995,000,000 in damages.  Almost 70% of all electrical fires involve faulty wiring or lighting of some sort.

15% of  all residential fires start in bedrooms.  To prevent a fire from happening before it can start, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI’s) were required in bedrooms starting in 2006.  AFCI’s isolate “arcing” in wiring that is indicative of a fire starting.  In case your home is not equipped with AFCI protection, smoke detectors with battery backup have been required in all bedrooms and outside of all bedrooms since 1980.  

With electrical fires overtaking smoking as being the #1 cause of  fires in homes in America, it is important to ensure that electrical panels, outlets, switches and junction boxes in your home are correctly installed and not damaged or modified by unlicensed electricians.

Uncertain about your wiring? Contact Squires Electric today to set up a free on-site inspection to find ways to keep you and your family safe. Schedule an appointment today.