Electrical Fires and Your Business

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Common Causes Of Electrical Fires In Your Business

When it comes to sneaky sources of flames and property damage, electrical fire is one of the top culprits. Frayed wires, outdated electrical systems, damaged cable insulation, and short circuits are some of the top factors. The most common causes of these fires include

• Faulty electrical outlets and outdated appliances with damaged cords or switches
• Cords that have been run underneath a rug
• Light bulbs with a wattage too high for light fixtures
• Power and extension cords that have been overloaded
• Inappropriate placement of space heaters, especially when they are too close to combustible items
• Old wiring systems that can't handle today's reliance on electrical appliances
  
  
  

One of the best ways to protect your commercial property from electrical sparks and destructive flames is to recognize these common causes of fire and take preventative steps.

Which Extinguisher Is Best?

Another important step in protecting your property is to install appropriate fire extinguishers throughout your buildings. After an electrical fire, computer cleanup is much more effective if the right type of extinguisher has been used. There are several types to consider; the most common are

• Clean agent extinguishers, commonly used in rooms with a lot of computer equipment
• Class K extinguishers, are the best option for commercial kitchens where grease fires are a possibility
• Wet chemical extinguishers, most appropriate for hot surfaces, such as in foodservice establishments
• Dry chemical extinguishers, best used for minor blazes in industrial settings
  
  
  

After a fire extinguisher has been used, contact a fire cleanup and remediation professional to appropriately clean up the residue from extinguisher discharge and to inspect your computer equipment for fire and smoke damage. If computer equipment is damaged and you use it, further damages and even new fires could take place.

What Other Preventative Steps Can You Take?

Electrical fire is a common cause of fire damage in commercial settings. Take steps to protect your Lakeshire, MO, business by understanding the most likely scenarios and taking steps to prevent them. Make sure you have the right policies in place and install the most appropriate extinguishers for each room in your building.