Electrical problems are a leading cause of building fires, and power surges quietly damage equipment every time a storm rolls through Houston. Most of that risk is preventable. This checklist covers how to prevent electrical fires, protect your electronics from surges, and use extension cords, space heaters, and holiday lights safely at home or at work.
Common Causes of Electrical Fires
- Loose or damaged connections in outlets, switches, fixtures, and panels that heat up over time
- Overloaded circuits, especially with space heaters, window units, and power strips daisy-chained together
- Old or damaged wiring, including aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring and wire chewed by rodents
- Extension cords used as permanent wiring, run under rugs, or pinched by furniture
- Wrong bulb wattage in older fixtures, which can overheat sockets and wiring
- DIY electrical work without permits or inspections
Electrical Fire Prevention Checklist
- Keep outlets, switches, and cover plates intact. Replace any that are cracked, loose, warm, or discolored.
- Don’t overload outlets or plug power strips into other power strips.
- Use extension cords only temporarily, and never run them under rugs or through doorways.
- Plug space heaters and other high-wattage appliances directly into the wall, and keep them away from anything that can burn.
- Use bulbs at or below the wattage listed on the fixture.
- Install GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry areas, and outdoors.
- Ask about AFCI breakers, which detect dangerous arcing in wiring.
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them per the manufacturer’s schedule.
- Keep the area around your electrical panel clear and accessible.
- Have an older building’s electrical system inspected, especially before buying or after adding major equipment.
Protecting Equipment From Power Surges
Surges come from lightning, utility switching, and large motors (like AC compressors) cycling on and off. Big surges can destroy equipment instantly; smaller ones wear down electronics over time.
| Protection | Where it goes | What it protects |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-building surge protector | Installed at the electrical panel by an electrician | Wiring, HVAC, appliances, and everything on the system |
| Point-of-use surge protectors | Plug-in strips at computers, TVs, and electronics | Sensitive devices plugged into them |
| Both together | Panel plus outlet level | The most complete protection |
Note that a basic power strip is not necessarily a surge protector. Look for a joule rating and indicator light, and replace plug-in protectors after a major surge.
Holiday and Seasonal Lighting Safety
- Use lights and cords listed by a recognized testing lab (such as UL or ETL) and rated for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate.
- Inspect strands for cracked sockets, frayed wire, or loose connections before hanging them.
- Don’t connect more strands end-to-end than the manufacturer allows.
- Plug outdoor lights into GFCI-protected outlets and keep connections off the ground and out of water.
- Use timers so displays aren’t left on overnight or while you’re away.
- For large commercial or HOA displays, have dedicated circuits installed rather than overloading existing ones.
Workplace Electrical Safety
- Keep electrical rooms and panels clear and labeled.
- Report flickering lights, warm outlets, and tripping breakers right away.
- Don’t let staff make electrical repairs; use a licensed electrician.
- Schedule regular inspections and maintenance. See our electrical maintenance services.
Know the Warning Signs
Burning smells, buzzing, scorched outlets, and frequent breaker trips are all signs to act on. See our full guide to electrical warning signs.
Schedule a Safety Inspection
Brothers Lighting & Electrical inspects electrical systems, installs surge protection, and fixes hazards across the Houston area. Contact us to schedule an inspection.