To prevent electrical fires at home, don’t overload circuits or extension cords, plug heaters and other high-wattage appliances straight into the wall, replace damaged cords, use the right bulbs and dimmers, and have warm outlets, frequent tripping or older wiring checked by a licensed electrician. Working smoke alarms on every level and in sleeping areas give you warning if something does go wrong. Here is a practical checklist from Eggers Electric, a locally owned electrician in Loveland since 1973.
Room-by-room checklist
- Outlets: Look for outlets that are warm, discolored, loose in the wall or that won’t hold a plug. Don’t open them yourself; have them replaced.
- Cords: Replace cords that are frayed, cracked or pinched. Don’t run cords under rugs or through doorways, where damage is hidden.
- Extension cords and power strips: Use them for light loads and short-term needs. Space heaters, microwaves and other high-wattage appliances should plug straight into a wall outlet.
- Bulbs: Don’t exceed the fixture’s wattage rating. In enclosed fixtures, use bulbs rated for enclosed use. LED bulbs run much cooler.
- Dimmers: Use dimmers rated for the bulbs you have. A dimmer that is hot, rather than slightly warm, should be turned off and checked. See switches and dimmers.
- Laundry: Clean the dryer lint screen every load and keep the vent clear.
- Kitchen and bath: Make sure outlets near water have working GFCI protection, and test GFCIs monthly. See GFCI outlets.
Signs your wiring needs attention
- Breakers that trip often, or fuses that blow
- Lights that flicker or dim in several rooms
- A burning smell, buzzing or warm switch plates
- Two-prong outlets, knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring
- A panel that is full, warm or an older brand with known concerns
Any of these is worth a professional look. See wiring and rewiring and panel repair.
Older homes in Loveland and Fort Collins
Homes near downtown Loveland and Old Town Fort Collins include houses around a century old, where we still find knob-and-tube wiring, ungrounded outlets and small panels carrying far more than they were designed for. Homes built about 1965 to the mid-1970s may have aluminum branch wiring, which needs proper connections. An inspection tells you what’s a real hazard and what can wait.
Winter heating season
Space heaters are a common cause of overloaded circuits during Colorado winters. Give heaters at least three feet of clearance from anything that can burn, plug them straight into the wall, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
Smoke alarms and surge protection
Hardwired, interconnected smoke and CO alarms sound together, so you hear a warning anywhere in the house. Test alarms monthly and replace smoke alarms 10 years after the date on the back. A whole-home surge protector limits surges coming in on your service.
Get a professional check
Our $89 Eggers Safety Inspection covers 8 points, including your panel, grounding, GFCI protection, alarms, outlets and visible wiring, and the $89 is credited toward any work you go ahead with. Schedule Service or call 970-669-1883, 7 days a week, 7am–8pm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of electrical fires at home?
Common causes include overloaded circuits and cords, damaged cords, loose connections in outlets and switches, and heat-producing appliances like space heaters placed too close to things that can burn.
Are warm outlets dangerous?
An outlet or switch plate that feels warm, is discolored or smells can mean a loose or failing connection. Stop using it and have it checked.
How often should I have my wiring inspected?
When you buy a home, before a remodel or big new load, if you notice warning signs, and periodically in older homes.