Fire caused by electricity is a serious concern for businesses. It poses a big risk for the safety of staff, not to mention the potential cost of repairing damage. In this post, we’ll explore how electricity can cause a fire – and how to minimise the risk of that happening on your premises…
When it comes to the potential causes of a fire, many people think of gas cooking appliances or cigarettes that haven’t been fully put out. But in fact, fire caused by electricity accounts for a significant number of incidents.
While commercial statistics aren’t available, electricity caused over half of accidental dwelling fires in England. That proportion could be even higher for businesses, given that the top cause of domestic fires – cooking appliances – are much less prevalent in commercial settings other than restaurants, cafes and so on.
In short, yes – electricity causes lots of fires, both domestically and commercially. Here’s how…
The process behind electrical fires is pretty straightforward. For one of the reasons below, electrical current escapes it’s usual, safe environment. The resulting spark can then ignite nearby materials like walls, flooring or skirting boards.
Your fixed wiring installation is what carries electricity around your property. If it doesn’t meet modern standards, it could cause an electrical fire. That’s because old wiring systems can’t cope with the increased demand of today’s businesses. Circuits may become overloaded, for example, without functioning breakers ready to shut them down.
One of the most common ways fires are caused by electricity is through faulty sockets. As time goes on, wiring can become loose, which allows current to escape.
Another cause of current escaping are appliances themselves. This is exactly why regular PAT testing is so important, ensuring appliances big and small are safe to use.
Overheating can also cause electric fires. When wiring or appliances get too hot, materials can melt, leaving wires exposed. It’s then only a matter of time before it catches fire.
Don’t forget lighting. Fires can break out if bulbs are used with a high wattage that exceeds the capability of light fixtures. LED lighting is a much safer option, converting a much lower wattage into the same brightness of a traditional bulb.
Alternatively, electrical lighting equipment can act as a heat source, causing nearby materials to combust.
Spotting the early warning signs of fire caused by electricity can be the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic event. Some of these signs might seem really obvious, but it’s always good to keep this information fresh in your mind.
If you notice a persistent burning smell or odd odours near electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances, this could indicate that wires are overheating and possibly melting. This is an immediate warning sign and you should always contact an electrician to investigate.
Discoloured, scorched or charred outlets are a clear indication that something is wrong. This can occur from overheating or sparking and should be addressed immediately to prevent a fire from igniting.
Circuit breakers are designed to protect your electrical system by cutting off power when circuits are overloaded. However, if your circuit breaker trips frequently, it’s a sign that your system is being pushed beyond its capacity. If ignored, this can lead to overheating and fires.
If your lights flicker or dim unexpectedly, especially when you turn on other appliances, it could indicate an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring. It might not seem a big problem, but ultimately this can create hot spots in the wiring and increase the risk of fire.
Unusual sounds like buzzing or crackling near outlets, switches, or electrical appliances suggest that there’s a loose connection, which could lead to arcing and eventually a fire.
The truth is that an electrical fire can occur when you least expect it, whether your premises or old or new. But there are several ways that you can help keep your business safe and minimise the risk of the worst happening, such as:
Your electrical installation must be regularly inspected by a qualified electrician. In the UK, it’s recommended that commercial properties have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted at least every five years, or more frequently depending on the nature of the business.
You should avoid overloading power outlets and extension leads. Instead, distribute electrical load evenly across circuits and ensure that high-wattage appliances have their dedicated outlets.
If your property’s wiring is outdated, consider upgrading it to meet modern standards. Old wiring is more susceptible to overheating and other issues that could lead to fires.
Surge protectors can help prevent electrical fires by protecting appliances and wiring from voltage spikes. Make sure you use high-quality surge protectors, especially for sensitive and high-value equipment.
Make sure your staff are aware of the signs of electrical issues and know how to respond in an emergency. Regular fire safety drills, including what to do in the case of an electrical fire, can be lifesaving.
Install smoke alarms in key areas of your premises, particularly near electrical panels and high-risk zones. Additionally, check that fire extinguishers, particularly those rated for electrical fires (Class C), are accessible and that staff know how to use them.
Without a doubt, the best way to protect your business from electrical fires is to make sure your installation is inspected regularly, and all necessary repairs made.
Volta Compliance can do exactly that as part of an Electric Installation Condition Report. Our team will inspect every component of your fixed wiring installation, highlight any issues, and repair any problems.
Sound good? Give us a call on 0113 436 0402 or email [email protected] to arrange an inspection.
