Hello, I am finfishing my basement with my friend. He is about to do the electric work. Adding 6 outlets, celing fan, 1 regular light.
My question is this: What ccauses electrical fires? Old wiring? Too much on a circuit breaker?
The only thing I truly fear in life is fire in my home. Even if the world's top elctrician was doing the electrical work, I still am just curious as to what it is that could go wrong and cause a fire.
Thanks......and I apologize for the stupid question!!
Sandy

 

There are many things that can cause an electrical fire, but one of the most common causes is the extension cord. Not only do people overload them, but they also put them in perilous positions such as under a rug where they can overheat and be stepped on. Another common cause would be a faulty or defective electrical appliance. Too much load on a circuit breaker shouldn't cause a fire if the breaker is working properly, but in any event they should not be overloaded. If I were you I wouldn't worry about properly installed and inspected branch circuit wiring causing a fire. However, if you are, then I would consider installing AFCI--arc fault circuit interrrupters--to protect your wiring. They can detect wiring faults that normal breakers cannot and are now required in all bedrooms by the NEC. This is just a little basic info to think about, I'm sure someone else has some more details or good links to share with you on the subject.

 

Another thing to consider as a cause of electrical fires is wire to small for the load, such as someone putting a 20Amp breaker on #14 wire, or a 30 Amp breaker on #12. Bad connections can also cause fires so that is something to be carefull of when putting a wirenut on some wires use the right size of the number of wires and the size of the wire. If you take the time to make sure you follow the codes as closely as possible and you make good connections then have it inspected properly you should have very little to worry about.

 

I don't know any statistics on whether aluminum wire is less safe, but my own experience with a near-fire makes me tell you to use copper.

To take Gard's advice on bad connections one step further: Use the screws instead of backstabbing the wires into receps.

 

Thanks to all!

 

Make sure all connections are tight, a loose connection at a screw or wirenut will quickly build up enough heat start a fire. Don't tape wirenuts, just make sure the nut is tight and pull on each of the wires after to see that it doesn't pull out.