Homes and businesses face a variety of fire hazards. Identifying and preventing fires is the best way to protect your assets. One of the most common fire hazards is electronics. Electrical equipment and appliances can create dangerous fire hazards. By preventing electrical fires, you can protect your home and business while also keeping your team safe. Learn more from Code 4 Fire Watch about how to prevent electrical fires.
Preventing Electrical Fires
Discard Damaged or Old Wires and Power Strips
Never use damaged or old electronics, power strips, or extension cords. At the first sign of damage or wear, it is best to replace them. Old power strips lose their integrity and can compromise safety. Extension cords that have damaged insulation can create sparks, heat, or electric shocks that can lead to fires.
Properly Plug-In and Un-Plug Electronics
When plugging in and unplugging electronics, firmly grasp the plug and not the wire. Unplugging electronics by pulling the wire can damage and separate the insulation. This will expose wires and increase the likelihood of sparks or electrocution. Make sure items are fully plugged into electrical sockets. The connection should be firm, and the electrical prongs should not be showing at all. Electric plugs should be flush against the outlet.
Check The Wiring in Your Building
Old wiring in a building or home can cause electrical fires. If you suspect that your building has old wiring, have an electrician come out and inspect the property. Wires can degrade over time and will then create sparks or heat sources within walls. These fires can be hard to notice at first but can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Upgrading the wiring in your building can be costly, but it is nowhere near as costly as the damage created by a fire. A good rule of thumb is to replace the wiring of a building every 10 years.
Unplug Electronics That Are Not in Use
By unplugging electronics that are not in use, you can be sure that they will be safe. Even when devices are turned OFF, there is still electricity in the appliance. Unplugging them prevents any kind of hazards that may be present.
Follow the Directions for Appliances
Read the instructions for any appliance that uses electricity. Appliance instructions will contain safety tips and requirements. High-powered appliances require extreme care to prevent electrocution and fire hazards.
Be Mindful of Extension Cord Use
Extension cords should never be considered a permanent solution and should only be used temporarily. Using high-powered electronics with an extension cord can overload the circuit and create a dangerous heat source. If you find yourself relying on extension cords often, consult with an electrician to install a plug that allows you to ditch the cord.
Do Not Overload Plugs
Overloading plugs is a common way to create sparks, heat, and fire hazards. Never plug in more than the recommended amount of electronics into one plug. Also, you should never use more than one surge protector or splitter on an outlet.
Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors prevent the overloading of electrical wiring. If you experience a sudden surge of electricity, surge protectors cut the circuit to potential hazards.
Keep Flammable Materials Away from Electronics
Prevent electronics from contacting flammable materials like carpet, insulation, and other items. Moisture can also cause electrical hazards. Keep any electricity as far away from flammable materials as possible. If you are working in a garage or shop, be mindful of where hazardous materials, like gasoline, are placed.
By following these tips on preventing electrical fires, you can better keep your home and business safe. Consult with an electrician or fire safety expert to fully assess the safety of your building. Fire safety is something every employee and homeowner is responsible for. Regularly review fire safety tips with your team and make sure everyone understands how to spot danger. If your business needs additional fire protection, contact Code 4 Fire Watch. We provide fire watch services for businesses throughout the United States. Contact our operators 24/7 to have fire watch personnel dispatched to your business.
