Hidden Hazards: Electrical Appliances & Issues That Can Start a Fire

Electrical fires don’t always start with sparks flying — sometimes, they creep up silently. A buzzing outlet, a cheap plug, or an old appliance could be all it takes.

At E&A Electric LLC, we’ve seen the warning signs and the aftermath. This blog is here to help you spot what could go wrong before it actually does.

⚠️ COMMON ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES KNOWN TO START FIRES

🪑 1. Space Heaters

• Can overheat nearby items like curtains, bedding, or furniture
• Often plugged into the wrong type of outlet or extension cord
  ✅ Tip: Always plug directly into a wall outlet and keep 3 feet of space around them.

🍞 2. Toasters & Air Fryers

• Crumbs can build up and catch fire
• Often placed under cabinets with no airflow
  ✅ Tip: Clean regularly and keep cords away from the hot sides.

👕 3. Dryers (Yes — they count!)

• Lint buildup inside the vent and motor = major fire risk
• Electrical dryers pull high wattage — poor wiring can overheat
  ✅ Tip: Clean vents often. Make sure outlets are rated properly.

🖥️ 4. Extension Cords & Power Strips

• Not meant for permanent use
• Can overheat when overloaded
• Many cheap models have no surge protection or certification
  ✅ Tip: Only use heavy-duty, UL-listed cords. Never plug space heaters or microwaves into power strips.

🚨 DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT OFTEN GO UNSEEN

🔥 1. Loose Outlets

• A plug that wiggles or falls out can create arcing (mini electrical explosions) behind the wall.
  ✅ Call an electrician if your outlets feel loose or discolored.

🔥 2. Overloaded Circuits

• Too many devices pulling from one circuit can cause wires to heat up — especially in older homes not built for today’s tech.
  ✅ Watch for flickering lights, tripped breakers, or warm outlets.

🔥 3. DIY Wiring or Old Repairs

• We’ve seen it all: wires stuffed in soup cans, spliced with duct tape, or jammed into walls without boxes.
  ✅ If you’re unsure about what’s behind the walls, schedule an inspection.

🔥 4. Rodents or Insects in Wiring

• Chewed wires or nests inside outlets or panels are a real (and nasty) fire hazard.
  ✅ Look out for flickering power, burnt smells, or buzzing.

🔥 5. Old Panels or Breakers That Don’t Trip

• If your panel is more than 30 years old, it may not trip during an overload — allowing wires to overheat and ignite.
  ✅ Fuse boxes, outdated Zinsco or Federal Pacific panels should be replaced ASAP.

🧯 Final Word: If It Smells Hot or Looks Wrong, Don’t Wait

Most electrical fires start small — with a buzz, a flicker, a smell, or a warm plug. Trust your gut. It’s always cheaper (and safer) to call an electrician before it turns into a 911 situation.

👷 Need a Safety Check?

At E&A Electric LLC, we can:

• Inspect your outlets, breakers, and appliances
• Install GFCIs, surge protection, and safer circuits
• Replace panels or wiring before they fail

📞 Call us today for peace of mind — especially if your home is older, overloaded, or has never had a true electrical safety check.