Electrical fires are a major risk in homes and can be caused by electrical malfunctions, an overburdened electrical system, or worn electrical wiring and components. Some warning signs of electrical problems include blown fuses, flickering lights, hot outlets, or buzzing sounds. To prevent electrical fires, homeowners should have electrical systems inspected regularly, encourage safe practices like not overloading outlets, and contact an electrician immediately if warning signs appear. Regular maintenance and safety upgrades can help reduce the risk of residential electrical fires.

1. COMMON ELECTRICAL
HAZARDS
RESIDENTIAL
ELECTRICAL FIRES:
CAUSES, WARNING
SIGNS, AND
PREVENTION
COMMONELECTRICALHAZARDS
01

2. Electricity
02
Electricity
Electricity powers our
lives.
It provides the energy for
most powered items,
from lights to washing
machines to heating
systems.
It’s hard to imagine your
home without electricity,
yet it poses a great threat
to its users through
electrocution or
electrical fires that may
cause injury, death, and
loss of property.

3. ElectricalFires
03
Electrical Fires
Fires start in an instant and can
consume your entire home in a
matter of minutes.
A fire can grow very quickly, and
it’s usually not the flames that kill,
but the smoke.
It’s critical not to overestimate your
ability to extinguish it or
underestimate the amount of time
needed to escape.

4. Prevention
To keep your family
and possessions safe,
you need to understand
the causes and warning
signs of electrical fires,
as well as how to
prevent them.

5. Causes of
Residential
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires in your home may initiate
from the wiring, electrical distribution,
transformers, cordplugs, meter boxes,
outlets, power switching gear, surge
protectors, lighting fixtures, electric
fences, and electrical arcing as the source
of heat.
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6. 06
1. Electrical Malfunction
Electrical malfunctions involve an
interruption in the flow of an electric current
or static electricity, which can be caused by:
Appliance defects
Improper outlets, plugs, and switches
Electrical system failures
Incorrectly installed wiring
Overloaded circuits and extension cords
Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting and
electrical appliances
ElectricalMalfunction

7. OverburdenedElectricalSystem
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2. Overburdened
Electrical System
The electrical demands in
modern homes can easily
overburden an existing
electrical system that has
not been upgraded to meet
the demand.
Homes which don't comply
with the modern electric
code and safety
requirements increases the
risk of hazardous conditions
that could lead to an
electrical fire.

8. 3. Worn-out Electrical
Wiring and Components
Over time, any home can be at risk of an
electrical fire as connections loosen, wire
insulation ages, oil and dirt cause
overheating of electrical components, and
switches and receptacles wear out or come
loose.
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9. PreventElectricalFires
09
Warning Signs
and Ways to
Prevent
Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are difficult to put out, and can
increase the risk of electrocution unless the
power can be properly disconnected.
The ability of electrical fires to spread undetected
increases the risk of injury and loss due to damage.
To prevent residential electrical fires, you should pay
attention to common indicators of electrical problems
that could lead to a fire.

10. PreventElectricalFires
10
Prevent Electrical Fires
If you notice any of the following warning signs
in your home, you should contact a licensed
electrician in Toronto:
Repeated blown fuses or frequently tripped circuit
breakers
Dimming or flickering lights
Sparking fuse box, outlet, or breaker panel
Outlets or switches that feel hot to the touch, or
emit an acrid odor
Discolored cords, switch-plates, and outlets
Buzzing at an outlet

11. 1. Professional inspection
and repair
Inspect and repair lighting and electrical
component (switches, outlets, etc.) problems.
Inspect a new home and make the necessary
repairs before moving in.
Ensure any electrical modifications meet
safety standards and codes.
Upgrade wiring in homes built before 1973,
especially those with aluminum wiring.
Replace fuses and circuit breakers with those
of appropriate size.
You should hire a professional, licensed
electrician to:
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12. EncourageSafePractices
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2. Encourage Safe Practices
Position lamps
away from open
windows or
areas of strong
breezes that
cause draperies
to get blown
onto hot light
bulbs.
02
Don’t run cords
under
combustible
materials,
including
carpets and
bedding, or
across doorways
and other
frequently
travelled areas.
03
Prevent
combustible
materials from
touching bulbs
or lampshades.
01
Don’t overload
outlets or
replace them
with extensions.
Both of these
generate excess
heat that could
lead to a fire. If
you need more
outlets, ask an
electrician.
04

13. EncourageSafePractices
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2. Encourage Safe Practices
Don’t let
children play
with or around
electrical
appliances, like
hair dryers,
extensions,
irons, or space
heaters.
06
Keep all
combustible
materials at
least three feet
from all heaters.
07
Keep electrical
appliances away
from wet
counters or
floors,
especially those
in the kitchen
and bathroom.
05
Replace any
electrical tools
that show signs
of wear, like
cracked or
frayed cords,
small electrical
shocks, or
overheating.
08

14. Home is the place where you
expect to feel safe.
But underestimating the danger of residential fires and
overestimating your ability to protect your family and
property can put everyone and everything you care about
at great risk.
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15. Thank You!
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