6 Eye-Opening and Alarming Statistics About Electrical Fires
March 26, 2025
It’s easy to brush off the thought of a possible electrical fire. You may think your system is fine the way it is. But, have you noticed flickering lights or burning smells coming from your outlets? Those are signs of an electrical system that is wearing down and needs repair. An overworked electrical system could potentially start a fire in your home or property. The following are some alarming statistics about electrical fires,
The Numbers
51,000 Fires Per Year
According to a study done by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), malfunctioning electrical work is the second leading cause of house fires. The first cause of house fire was unattended equipment, like leaving a space heater running. Faulty or malfunctioning electrical systems caused 13% of home structure fires from 2012-2016. Electrical arcing was the number one most common heat source for fire. Electrical arcing is when electricity jumps from one connection to another.
1.3 Billion Dollars Of Damaged Property
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi) every year 1.3 billion dollars of damaged property is created due to home electrical fires. Most electrical fires don’t move past the point of their origin, but fires can be unpredictable and can engulf a whole room, house, building, or surrounding areas. When a fire hits, it will cost a lot of money to replace everything from your carpet, furniture, electrical wiring, and more.
More Than 500 Deaths and 1,400 People Injured
This is a staggering statistic. Most deaths in house electrical fires are reported from homes without working smoke detectors. This is why it is recommended to install smoke detectors in every room on every floor of your home. Experts recommend checking your alarms every month, replacing their batteries at least once a year, and replacing the detector as a whole every 10 years.
As they said, the best way to stay safe in an emergency is to be prepared. That’s why it’s important to ensure your home is safe for you and your family. An expert electrician will be able to tell what is in need of repair in your home.
The Start of Fires
Electrical fires originated most commonly in the bedroom, with 14% of all electrical home fires starting there. The next room in the house would be the attic with 12% and then the kitchen with 11%.
The Causes of Fires
Electrical distribution systems are what cause 48% of all house electrical fires. They tend to be the heat source for the fire to ignite; they will get too hot and be near something flammable. Electrical distribution systems are things such as;
- Outlets,
- Switches,
- Lightbulbs,
- Wiring,
- Cords,
- And more.
The Peak
The peak months for home electrical fires tend to be the colder winter months of the year. December to February is when they tend to spike and occur more frequently. This is due to more heat sources being used around the house to help keep warm, and the sun going down earlier and needing more light sources. Also, with winter comes less humidity causing the air to be dry and wood to be more likely to catch a spark. The peak times of the day that fires occur are 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, which is the early evening.
How We Can Help
As mentioned earlier in this blog post, the best way to ensure you and your family’s safety in an emergency is to be prepared. It’s important to know the signs that could lead to a fire in your home, such as improperly used extension cords or buzzing light switches. If you notice any of these signs contact My Electric Works at 614-515-4520! Our team of experts will be able to evaluate your home and diagnose any potential issues.