Electric Surge Fires

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can happen suddenly in your Greenwich homes, and can be caused by many things.  One potential source of a fire that is not top of mind is through an electrical surge. A surge occurs when there is a sudden spike in the electrical current, which generally lasts only for a few seconds.  Even though the duration is not long, it is long enough to ruin electronics and appliances connected to an outlet.  In more severe cases, it can even start a fire. 

Fires resulting from surges in power can originate from a few different sources:

Bad Wiring - Old or faulty wiring may not be able to withstand the extra energy that a surge produces.  Whether from bad installation or age, this situation can lead to sparking or shorting that could ignite a fire. 

High-Powered Devices Turning On - The extra power that a major appliance draws when it starts up can cause a fire-starting surge.

Lightning - Beyond ruining your electronics, a lightning strike can cause enough surge to spark a fire. 

You can and should invest in a couple surge protectors for your home or business.  These can protect you and your belongings against electrical surges and fires caused by them. 

When your Greenwich home has fire damage, it is crucial to find a local company like SERVPRO to assist you.  We have the skilled technicians and specialized equipment needed for your residential or commercial water damage remediation needs.  That’s why SERVPRO of Greenwich should be your first call. Contact us at 203.324.1642 for assistance.