5 Major Causes of Electrical Fires in Homes and How to Avoid Them
Electrical fires are one of the most dangerous and common causes of building fires in Nigeria. Whether it’s a one-room apartment in the trenches or a duplex in highbrow areas, the risk is real and often avoidable.
With unstable power supply, frequent surges, and a general tendency to cut corners when it comes to wiring, many Nigerian homes are one spark away from disaster. Here are the top 5 causes of electrical fires and practical tips to keep your home and loved ones safe.
1. Faulty or Substandard Wiring
Cheap wiring = expensive damage.
Many electrical fires in Nigeria are caused by poor wiring work, often done by unqualified electricians or through the use of substandard materials. Wires that overheat or are too thin for the load they carry can spark or melt, leading to a fire.
How to avoid it: Hire a licensed electrician for all installations and ensure they use high-quality cables. Most importantly, avoid DIY electrical fixes, no matter how simple they seem.
2. Overloaded Extension Sockets
In many homes, one extension box powers everything from the TV to the fridge, blender, and phone chargers. Overloading an extension socket causes it to overheat, which can result in melting plastic, sparks, and eventually a fire.
How to avoid it: Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances like fridges into extension cords and use power surge protectors. Also, avoid plugging multiple extension cords together in a chain-like fashion.
3. Power Surges and Fluctuations
With Nigeria’s unstable power supply, sudden surges, especially when power is restored after an outage, can cause appliances to spark, blow fuses, or worse, burst into flames.
How to avoid it: Install a voltage stabilizer or surge protector for sensitive equipment. Unplug electronics when not in use.
4. Old or Damaged Electrical Appliances
That old pressing iron, worn-out fan, or faulty fridge could be a ticking time bomb.
Using damaged or outdated appliances increases the risk of sparks, shorts, and fire, especially when the cords are frayed or the internal wiring is faulty.
How to avoid it: Regularly inspect and replace old appliances. Never use appliances with exposed wires or visible damage, and don’t try to “manage” or tape over serious faults. Replace or repair professionally.
5. Hidden Electrical Faults in Walls
Sometimes, the most dangerous faults are the ones you can’t see. Electrical connections behind the wall, if not properly insulated or spaced, can heat up and cause a fire that spreads unnoticed until it’s too late.
How to avoid it: Always request a full electrical inspection before moving into a new apartment or house. Invest in residual current devices (RCDs) or circuit breakers that automatically cut power when faults are detected.
Electrical fires are preventable. A little caution, the right materials, and professional input can go a long way in protecting lives and property.
Share these tips with family and friends and let them know the PPC BSE division delivers safe and efficient electrical systems for estates, large offices, hotels, and other commercial spaces. From design and installation to routine inspections and upgrades, we’ve got you covered. Visit www.ppcng.com for more information.