Powering Down on Electrical Fire Risks at Your Workplace

Article content provided by Federated Insurance.

Could your company survive if an electrical failure sparked a fire at your business? Approximately 7,400 non-residential building fires occur each year due to electrical malfunctions. ¹Fortunately, many risks can be prevented by adopting a proactive approach to electrical maintenance.

Hidden Electrical Dangers Are Everywhere

Faulty electrical distribution systems are a primary culprit for structure fires in commercial buildings. ²Heat builds up in loose connections or overloaded circuits, and can ignite surrounding materials. Old electrical equipment, aging wiring, or outdated panels can also increase the risk of ignition inside your building.

Advanced Technology Can Help

Using infrared thermography, professionals can see “hot spots,” or heat patterns invisible to the naked eye. In addition to thermal imaging, smart sensors and real-time monitoring systems can track electrical performance and alert you to unusual changes or faults. Plan routine maintenance checks and make necessary updates to help mitigate these dangers before they start a fire.

Additional Electrical Fire Prevention Tactics to Consider:

• Train employees to identify common hazards, like flickering lights, frayed cords, or warm switches.
• Test safety systems frequently and ensure your employees know what to do if a fire sparks up.
• Schedule routine inspections with a licensed electrician.
• Manage electrical loads to help prevent tripping breakers or overloading circuits.
• Turn off non-essential appliances when they are not in use (e.g., space heaters, coffee pots).
• Keep electrical panels accessible.

Federated Insurance® offers a range of fire prevention materials and training program options. Access these resources and more on the Training & Resources page of mySHIELD^®.

^1. U.S. Fire Administration. Nonresidential Building Electrical Malfunction Fire Trends (2014-2023). https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/nonresidential-fires/electrical.html. Accessed January 5, 2025.

^2. NFPA. Fire in Industrial or Manufacturing Properties. 2023. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/fires-in-us-industrial-or-manufacturing-properties. Accessed January 5, 2025.

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This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2023 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.