Why Surge Protector Outlet Fires Increase in the Fall and Winter

As the weather cools down and we gear up for the holiday season, homes across Louisiana see a surge in electrical usage. From space heaters to holiday lights and increased use of home electronics, the demand on surge protectors skyrockets during the fall and winter months. Unfortunately, this increased usage can also lead to a higher risk of surge protector-related fires.

In this blog, we’ll explore why surge protector fires are more common during the colder months, what you can do to protect your home, and how PuroClean Emergency Restoration of Covington, LA can help if disaster strikes.

The Role of Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are an essential safety device in many homes. They safeguard electronics from power surges, which can occur due to storms, power grid issues, or even heavy use of electricity in your neighborhood. However, improper use or overloaded surge protectors can become a fire hazard, especially when they’re tasked with handling more devices during fall and winter.

1. Increased Use of Heating Devices

As temperatures drop, many homeowners turn to portable space heaters to keep their homes warm. Space heaters, while convenient, often require a lot of electricity. Plugging a space heater into a surge protector can overload the outlet, leading to overheating, melted wires, or even an electrical fire.

Key Tip: Never plug high-wattage appliances like space heaters or electric blankets into a surge protector. These devices should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet to prevent overloading the surge protector’s capacity.

2. Holiday Lights and Decorations

The festive season brings holiday lights, inflatable decorations, and an array of powered decorations that quickly fill up surge protectors. While these decorations make homes feel festive, they can also strain electrical circuits, especially if older, less energy-efficient lights are used.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, holiday lights and decorations cause around 150 fires each year, resulting in over $9 million in property damage. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Key Tip: Use energy-efficient LED holiday lights and avoid chaining multiple surge protectors together to power your decorations. Always follow the wattage limits recommended for your surge protector.

3. Higher Demand for Home Electronics

With family gatherings, increased time indoors, and many people working from home, the use of home electronics surges in the colder months. Televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and other devices put extra strain on surge protectors, especially when multiple devices are plugged into the same outlet.

If a surge protector is not rated to handle the load or is of poor quality, it can overheat and cause a fire. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), overloaded circuits and improperly used surge protectors are leading causes of home fires. Source: ESFI.

Key Tip: Make sure your surge protector is rated for the devices you’re plugging in. Avoid plugging multiple high-powered devices into a single surge protector.

Protect Your Home from Surge Protector Fires

Here are a few more safety tips to protect your home from surge protector fires during the fall and winter months:

• Inspect your surge protectors regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed wires or melted plastic.
• Avoid overloading a surge protector with too many devices, especially those that draw high amounts of power like heaters or large electronics.
• Replace older surge protectors that may not meet current safety standards. Look for protectors with UL certification and those equipped with an internal circuit breaker.
• Unplug surge protectors when they are not in use, especially during periods of heavy power demand.

What to Do If a Fire Happens

Despite taking precautions, fires can still occur. If you experience a surge protector fire or any kind of electrical fire, it’s important to act quickly. After ensuring your family’s safety and contacting emergency services, you’ll want to address the fire damage as soon as possible.

PuroClean Emergency Restoration of Covington, LA specializes in fire and smoke damage restoration, as well as odor removal. Our team can respond quickly to assess the damage and begin the cleanup and restoration process to get your home back to normal.

Conclusion

While surge protectors are an excellent tool for protecting your home’s electronics, improper use can lead to fires, particularly during the fall and winter months. By taking a few simple precautions, you can minimize the risk of an electrical fire in your home. And should the worst happen, PuroClean Emergency Restoration of Covington, LA is here to help with professional, prompt restoration services.

For more tips on electrical fire safety, check out the Electrical Safety Foundation International website here.

Stay safe and enjoy a worry-free fall and winter season!