How to Prevent An Electrical Fire in Your Chicago Home
In 2011, there were 47,700 fires reported US fire department that we caused by some kind of electrical problem, according the Nation Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Many of these fires lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, and most could have been prevented. Making sure that your Chicago home’s electrical system is completely safe at all times should be one of your biggest priorities.
Any number of different parts of your electrical system could have problems that lead to electrical fires, including:
- Wiring and related equipment
- Lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs
- Cords and plugs
- Transformers and power supplies
Preventing an electrical fire can be as simple as ensuring that there are no major problems with your electrical system, but for many homeowners, that’s more easily said than done. The professional electricians at North Suburban Electric, Inc recommend that you have safety inspections performed on your electrical system regularly, and you should also look out for any of these warning signs:
Old or Outdated Wiring
Most electrical wiring systems have lifespans of 30-40 years, yet around one-third of homes in the US have electrical wiring systems that are more than 50 years old. If your Chicago home’s electrical wiring is outdated, there will be some signs that you’ll notice and you shouldn’t ignore, including:
- Circuit breakers that trip frequently
- Fuses that frequently blow
- An over-reliance on extension cords and surge protectors
These things are meant to be temporary solutions to problems, and any time they become normal for your home, you could be at serious risk of an electrical fire. Call our professionals to have your wiring inspected, and we can let you now if you need to have all or part of it replaced.
Aluminum Wiring
During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was very commonplace. Unfortunately, however, aluminum oxidizes very quickly, and oxidation can lead to corrosion. So while aluminum is adequate for a short time, it has a very short lifespan, and after your wiring has started to corrode, your Chicago home will be at risk of an electrical fire.
It’s possible that your entire home will be need to be required, or you may only need partial rewiring or wiring repairs. In either case, it’s very important that you have a professional electrician take a look at your wiring and help you ensure that your home is as safe as possible.
Arc Faults
Arc faults occur when an electrical current veers from its intended path, and they are a leading cause of electrical fires.
Arc faults may occur when a tree falls on a power line, or they could occur because you damaged the wiring in your walls by moving furniture. Any number of things can cause arc faults, so it’s very important to ensure that you are protected from them.
Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)can detect any arc faults in your Chicago home’s electrical system and they’re a great way to prevent electrical fires. Especially if you live in an older home, these devices can easily prevent a disaster.
