Here’s How Homeowners Can Get The Jump on Electrical Fires
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Despite the fact that we’re still creeping up into the 90s more often than not, it really is fall, and it really will be October on Saturday. October is Fire Prevention Month, and electrical fires are one of the top five causes of home fires. So we thought we’d get a jump start (see what I did there?) on fire prevention and look at some electrical issues we’ve encountered in the field.
Hot Outlet
Did you know that little air freshener plug is still pulling electricity even after it’s empty? Add some faulty wiring into the mix, and you’ve got a potential house fire on your hands. Remember when we talked about having GFCI protected outlets in your home? If this outlet was GFCI protected this would have tripped the GFCI. (It’s not in a space that’s required to have GFCI, I’m just making connections — and more puns! — if you’ve been following along).
In the video, Clayton mentions an outlet tester. This is a handy, inexpensive tool you can use to check your outlets and you can purchase for about $20 at any hardware store or Amazon.
Hot Zinsco Panel
Zinsco is an outdated brand of electrical panel that has been taken off the market due to safety concerns. You find them in houses from the 1950s to the 1980s.
The problem with Zinsco panels is a design flaw that causes the panel to heat up with a power surge. The switches melt into the panel rather than tripping and cutting off power. This unchecked heat can cause a fire. And here’s a working one where you can see exactly the problem in action:
Hot Panel in the Closet
This is another outdated panel box from the 1950s. First off, it’s no longer acceptable to put electrical panels in the closet. Second, fabric-encased wiring is known to overheat and catch fire. Inspector Brian talks through some of the other issues.
If you live in an older-aged home, check the brand names and ages of your panel boxes and Google them. You may need to update your electrical system. Historic preservation need not extend to the electrical system.
As always, we at Green Scene Home Inspections would like to remind you to always call a professional electrician for electrical repairs. The National Fire Protection Association has this video if you have any further questions.
