Five Common Causes of Electrical Fires

The cause of the electrical fire is often unseen, located behind the walls or in electrical wiring. The victims are often caught by surprise, unaware of the danger. Building codes and manufacturing standards exist to keep people safe and to hold people responsible for the victim’s injuries when those standards are not followed or short-cuts are taken.

Electric fires in homes occur when an electric current ignites flammable materials. Flammable materials include mattresses, bedding, curtains, upholstered furniture, rugs or carpets, and throws. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the five most common causes of electrical fires in the home are as follows.

  1. Faulty electric outlets and old outdated appliances. Anything that interrupts an electric current can potentially lead to an electrical fire. A short circuit makes a pop sound and smells like something is burning. That ignition source is enough to start an electrical fire. Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord which can send heat to flammable surfaces like upholstered furniture, curtains, bedding and rugs.
  2. Light Fixtures, Lamps, and Light bulbs. Installing a bulb with a wattage that is too high can cause an electrical fire. Never go above the maximum recommended amount.
  3. Misuse of extension cords and overloading electrical outlets.
  4. Unattended or improper use of space heaters.
  5. Outdated wiring. Today’s average home requires a great deal of electrical capacity. If the wiring is old, consider replacing it to accommodate the vast amount of home appliances that require electricity, like air conditioners, televisions, computers, mobile phones and tablets.

Injured by an Electrical Fire in Massachusetts?

Experienced Boston Area Premises Liability / Personal Injury Attorneys – Initial Consultations Are Always Free – No Fee Unless We Recover For You

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an electrical fire, then call the electrical fire lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today. We have a proven track record with over 35 years of legal experience. Our electrical fire attorneys have successfully represented victims of fires for decades and we are ready to take on your case today.

No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call our law offices today to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 or click the link below to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Our personal injury lawyers assist accident victims throughout all of Massachusetts, including but not limited to Plymouth County including Brockton, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Marshfield, Hingham, Duxbury, Wareham, Abington, Rockland, Whitman, Hanson, Holbrook, Middleborough; Norfolk County including Quincy, Stoughton, Dedham, Weymouth, Braintree, Avon, Holbrook, Randolph, Canton, Sharon, Brookline, Franklin; Bristol County including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham, Lakeville, Norton; Cape Cod, Hyannis, Falmouth, Barnstable, Worcester, Springfield, Holyoke, and the Greater Boston area including Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, Revere, Dorchester, Roxbury.