Electrical fires cost global economies billions of dollars. It is worth noting that electrical fires account for up to 10% of residential fires. The cost of an electrical fire is undoubtedly something that industries and property owners need to pay attention to. Fire extinguisher for electrical fire appliances play an essential role in mitigating the effects of electrical fires. These special extinguishers are designed to handle all causes of electrical fires. Here is a list of the top causes of electrical fires.

Faulty Appliances

Faulty electrical appliances are to blame for most cases of electrical fires. Fires might be caused by general faults with the appliance or dated appliances. To reduce the risk posed by appliance-related fires, it is always advisable to ensure that appliances are at their best. Also, you should always ensure that all appliances are earthed and that there are no worn-out cords close to the appliance.

Damaged Fixtures and Fittings

Fittings and fixtures are another possible cause of electrical fires. A fire could result when you install the wrong fittings. For bulbs, for instance, if the wattage supplied is too much for the lamp, you risk having a fire. Also, having combustible materials around your light fixtures and fitting poses a real risk of a flare-up.

Overloaded Circuits

Plugging too many cords into a single power source poses a real safety risk. A circuit overload often results when you are using an extension to power multiple devices simultaneously. To reduce the risk of a fire, it is advisable to have multiple outlets such that every appliance has a dedicated circuit. However, if there aren’t enough outlets, you can have an electrician install more.

Portable Heaters

Room heaters have a reputation for causing many house fires. This is attributed to the fact that these appliances heat up relatively fast and can ignite flammable materials around them. Warry of the risk, it is advisable to store your heaters at a dedicated location away from flammable materials. Also, never leave this appliance unattended.

These are some of the top causes of electrical fires in residential and commercial establishments. It is always important to pay attention to any looming electrical hazard around your property. Accidents happen, but most electrical fires are penned to negligence and appliance misuse.