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More than 15% of all domestic fires in England and Wales are caused by electrical faults, illustrating that electrical fires are a very real risk. On average, there are around 8,000 electrical fires in the UK per year. 

 

However, It is possible, to mitigate these risks as much as possible by being aware of the most common causes of electrical fires and ensuring certain safeguards and checks are carried out.

 

 

Below, we outline the 6 most common causes of electric fires:

 

1. FAULTY SOCKETS & OUTLETS

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets such as worn sockets that aren’t properly earthed. With age, the wiring behind sockets and outlets deteriorates, the wires can loosen over time through heat and can eventually break causing a short/arc and in some cases cause a fire.

 

2. LIGHT FIXTURES & FITTINGS

Another common cause of electrical fires are lamps, lightbulbs and light fittings. It’s important to follow the power/wattage guidelines for all light fixtures and lamps in your home and to avoid exceeding the recommended ratings. If some instances an incorrectly rated  light bulb can start a fire. 

 

Using cheaper combustable materials as lamp shades may also cause a fire to start as these materials can heat up and ignite. 

 

3. EXTENSION LEADS

When large numbers of appliances are plugged into extension leads this can create an excessive power load on a single socket which it may not be able to handle. 

 

Where possible, appliances should always be plugged directly into an outlet or if it’s necessary to use an extension lead, they should be used as a temporary measure. 

 

If there aren’t enough outlets in your home to accommodate your needs, then an electrician can install additional outlets. 

 

4. PORTABLE HEATERS

Portable heaters should never be used for an extended period of time or overnight and shouldn’t be placed too close to combustible surfaces like curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, sofas and rugs as this is one of the most common ways for them to start a fire. 

 

It is advised to opt for a radiator type heater rather than a coil space heater as the coils get extremely hot, meaning they can easily ignite any nearby flammable surface. 

 

Conversely, radiator type heaters diffuse heat over the entire surface of the appliance and are better, but should still be used with care. 

 

5. OUTDATED WIRING

Wiring in older homes is often needed to be upgraded due to the increased demands and numbers of electrical appliances the average UK home now has. Usually, circuit breakers are triggered when a circuit is overloaded, but older fuse boards will not provide the latest protection and capabilities.  Upgrading your wiring and fuse boards is the best way to avoid potential risks and meet current regulations. 

 

6. OLD OR FAULTY PORTABLE APPLIANCES

Similar to outdated wiring, using old or cheap appliances can present a fire hazard as they may not be up to the required British/EU standards regarding manufacture/material quality and wiring safety regulations. 

Old and well used appliances may have worn/damaged inner cores, and many times commonly found earthing and insulation issues. These faults can only be found by carrying out PAT Testing using specialist equipment that provides fault measurements and determines future risks. 

 

CONCLUSION

Unfortunately Electrical fires are a common occurrence in UK homes. However, seeking advice from an Electrical Professional Qualified to carry out Portable Appliance Testing, Fixed Wire Testing is your safeguard against them. 

 

LooP Electrical Safety are experts in PAT Testing, EICRs and Electrical upgrades and modifications.

For a fixed price quick quote within 24 hours. For friendly testing or wiring advice from Qualified Electricians call LooP Electrical Safety on 07885 475835.