Prevent electrical fires in your home

For the last decade, electrical malfunctions have caused more than 23,000 residential fires annually in the U.S.¹ By remaining vigilant for the warning signs of electrical problems and taking preventative steps, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of an electrical fire.

Electrical fires in a home are often caused by poor wiring and connections, ground faults, overloaded circuits, and short circuits.  These issues can occur in any home and are often linked to the following conditions:

• Poor wiring and connections—Loose, faulty, frayed, and worn-out wiring can cause overheating and fires. In a worse-case scenario, poor or damaged wiring can lead to arcing, when electricity jumps across a gap and produces sparks and intense heat that cause fires.
• Ground faults—Ground faults occur when electricity finds an unintended path directly to the ground—for instance, when electricity travels from a frayed wire through a metal appliance to the ground. Faulty devices, wiring insulation failure, and other wiring problems can all cause ground faults. While ground faults can cause fires, their main danger is the potential for electric shock.
• Overloaded circuits—Electrical circuits are designed to carry a specific amount of current. If the current drawn by devices on the circuit exceeds capacity, the circuit becomes overloaded, potentially leading to overheating and fire. 
• Short circuits—As the name implies, a short circuit occurs when electrical current bypasses its intended circuit and instead travels along a shorter pathway. Short circuits can cause overheating that ignites nearby flammable materials.

Your home may have an electrical problem if it shows signs of electrical trouble, including sparks, burning odors, buzzing outlets, or recurring power issues. If you experience any of the following, your home may be at greater risk for electrical fire and you should seek repairs from a licensed electrician:

• You see sparks from outlets—or scorch marks around outlets.
• You smell a burning or rubbery odor coming from appliances or outlets.
• Switches or outlets produce unusual sounds, such as buzzing or pops.
• You experience a tingling sensation when touching an appliance.
• Circuit breakers trip frequently—or fuses blow.
• Lights dim or flicker—or fail to go completely dark after being shut off.
   

In addition, contact a licensed electrician for an inspection if your home was built before 1972 and you’re unsure if the electrical system has been updated.

If you notice any of the warning signs above, it’s important to act quickly. Electrical problems rarely resolve on their own. Taking the right steps can help protect your home and family:

• Stop using the affected outlet, switch, or appliance immediately. Do not attempt to use it until it has been inspected.
• Do not attempt do-it-yourself electrical repairs.
• If safe to do so, turn off the circuit at the breaker panel.
• Contact a licensed electrician.
• Call 911 immediately if you see flames, smoke, or smell a strong burning odor.

You can help reduce the risk of electrical fires by installing devices that help detect hazards, manage power surges, and prevent overheating or ground faults. In addition to being aware of the signs of electrical system problems, consider installing the following:

• Ting electrical fire prevention device— Ting is a smart sensor that plugs into a standard electrical outlet and helps prevent electrical fires before they start. If Ting alerts you to an electrical fire hazard, the Ting Fire Safety Team helps guide you through finding and fixing the hazard. Chubb has teamed up with Ting to offer the device and three years of service to eligible personal insurance clients — at no additional cost.
• Surge protectors— Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices during a power surge or spike. Surge protectors may need to be replaced every three to five years because their components can wear out.
• AFCIs and GFCIs— AFCIs trip a circuit when they detect arcing and can be installed at outlets or in electrical panels; many modern building codes require them in living areas such as bedrooms. GFCIs trip when they detect ground faults, helping protect against shock and electrocution in areas where water may conduct electricity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Voltage stabilizers — Voltage stabilizers help maintain a consistent voltage output, reducing the risk of electronics overheating due to voltage fluctuations. They can be installed to cover your entire house or placed at outlets.