What Causes an Electrical Fire?

One of the biggest fears of any homeowner today is a fire. Every day, we hear about fires breaking out in markets, factories, or high-rise buildings. Between 2015 and 2019, an average of 30 fires were reported daily. A significant number of these were electrical fires. Understanding the causes of electrical fires and how to prevent them is crucial for safety.

Common Causes of Electrical Fire

A short circuit is one of the most common reasons for electrical fires. It can happen in these cases:

• Wire Insulation Damage – The insulation of a wire prevents live and neutral wires from touching. If the insulation wears out, a short circuit can occur, increasing the risk of fire.
• Poor Installation – Electrical wiring needs to be carefully installed to prevent damage. When pulling wires through conduits, sharp bends, excessive force, or improper techniques can cause the insulation to tear. An inexperienced or rushed electrician may unknowingly create a fire hazard.
• Faulty Wiring – Loose connections or using wires with insufficient size can cause excessive heating, sparks, and ultimately, fires.
• Overloaded Circuits – Plugging in too many appliances into a single socket or using a wire that’s too thin for the electrical load can cause excessive heating. This heat can melt the insulation, exposing the wires and leading to short circuits.

Know more

These are not all the causes of electrical fires, but faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are among the most common ones.

How to Prevent Electrical Fire?

Fortunately, preventing an electrical fire is not difficult. Follow these essential tips:

Hire a Skilled and Trustworthy Electrician

• Choose an electrician with experience and proper training.
• Ensure they follow safe wiring practices and don’t rush installations. 
• Avoid electricians who push low-quality products for personal gain.

Choose Good Quality Wires

• Select wires with durable, heat-resistant insulation to prevent wear and tear.

• Choose high-conductivity copper wiring for improved efficiency and reduced heating.

• Verify the correct size specifications. Some local wires labeled as 1.5 sq. mm may actually be only 1.2-1.3 sq. mm, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards.

Choose Pressfit for Uncompromised Safety

We urge you to make safety a priority with Pressfit SFT1 Building Wires featuring anti-rodent, anti-termite PVC insulation, crafted from high-quality copper, and precisely manufactured to meet industry standards. Make the right choice for a safer home!

Know more