Of all home fires, electrical cause the most property damage according to ESFI. We’re debunking some of the most common myths about electrical fires and what you can do to help prevent them in your home.
A devastating electrical fire occurs every 10 minutes in the U.S. according to the NFPA, and often the consequences and destruction are severe. Many homeowners assume their home is safe because it’s new or they’ve never noticed anything unusual. But electrical fire hazards can develop at any time and in any home from a range of causes including age, wear, overloaded circuits, home renovations, faulty devices and appliances, dangerous power being delivered from your electric utility and water leaks – often without visible warning.
That’s why proactive prevention matters. To date, Ting has helped identify and mitigate over 16,000 electrical fire hazards by proactively detecting micro-arcing, the precursor to most electrical fires, that develops in faulty wiring, loose connections, and malfunctioning devices. While Ting is designed to help detect hazards before a fire starts, common misconceptions about electrical fires leave many homeowners unaware of hidden risks.
We’re debunking some of the most common myths about electrical fires and electrical safety, and providing tips on how to help keep your family safe.
But I have Ting, why do I need this information? Ting (the sensor and service) is statistically proven to prevent ~80% of electrical fires, significantly reducing electrical fire risk in homes. Ting alone cannot eliminate 100% of electrical fire risks. Trust your senses. If you have questions, especially if you suspect an electrical risk in your home, please contact us immediately.
Myth #1: New homes don’t have electrical issues
The truth: Electrical hazards don’t just happen in old homes. Even brand-new wiring can be installed incorrectly, and modern homes have more electrical loads than ever before. Hidden hazards such as loose connections, damaged wiring, or faulty devices can develop at any time and in any home.
Safety Tip: Before moving into a home, consider an electrical inspection by a licensed electrician, especially if you plan to add high-energy appliances or smart home devices.
“Our home is a new construction and not even completed – I have total peace of mind now after seeing what Ting can do! Ting made us aware of an issue that has now been fixed. Without Ting we may have experienced a fire.”
– Char in Winlock, WA
Myth #2: Your circuit breakers or GFCI will trip if there’s a problem
The truth: Conventional circuit breakers and GFCIs are important safety tools, but they are not designed to prevent electrical fires that are caused by micro-arcing hazards, which are the cause of most electrical fires that occur in the U.S. today. Short circuits (which create an immediate surge of current) are designed to trip breakers instantly, most electrical fires that occur today do not originate from this type of hazard since the convention circuit breaker has done its job. Most hazards develop gradually and do not trigger a breaker at all before sparking a fire.
Safety Tip: No single safety tool catches everything, but together they create stronger protection. Breakers and GFCIs respond to certain hazards, while Ting proactively monitors for developing hazards that may not trigger existing safety tools.
Myth #3: Anyone can DIY electrical repairs
The truth: While DIY projects can be fulfilling and cost-saving, electrical work isn’t an area to cut corners. Unlike other DIY projects, small mistakes can have serious consequences and put your home and family at risk. Faulty wiring, improper connections, or using the wrong materials can lead to overheating, sparks, or hidden hazards that don’t always show immediate warning signs.
Safety Tip: Always hire a licensed electrician for any electrical work in your home. Professionals are trained to adhere to ever-changing safety codes and standards, ensuring the job is done correctly and safely.
“I have an older house and often find DIY mistakes from a previous owner when we do repairs. Ting alerted us to a hazard and the electrician found a hot spot in one of the outlets that I hadn’t inspected previously. The contractor fixed the issues they found, and it was all covered by Ting.”
– Sean in Gresham, OR
Myth #4: Using extension cords and power strips is always safe
The truth: Extension cords and power strips are designed for temporary use and can pose significant fire hazards when misused. Overloading a power strip, daisy-chaining multiple cords or power strips together, or running them under rugs or through doorways can lead to overheating, wire damage, and potential electrical fires. Extension cords and power strips are only designed to safely handle certain power loads, and often these are only for small devices and appliances. For example, spaces heaters should never be used on extension cords or power strips as they draw too much energy. Always check to make sure that your extension cord and power strips can handle what you are plugging into them.
Safety Tip: Always use extension cords and power strips rated for the intended purpose and power load. Avoid overloading them with high-wattage appliances and electronics, and never use them as a permanent solution. If you find yourself relying on extension cords frequently, consider having additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician for a safer, long-term solution.
Myth #5: Flickering lights are normal and not a cause for concern
The truth: Occasional lights flickering is usually harmless, but if it’s persistent and not tied to a known cause, it may indicate serious electrical issues such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, faulty fixtures, or even a problem with your utility equipment.
Safety Tip: If you notice consistent flickering lights, it’s essential to have your electrical system inspected by a professional to identify and rectify the underlying problem promptly. Ting can help identify developing hazards, including flickering lights!
“We’d had the occasional lights flickering and power surges before, but I just figured it’s because our house is old and we’ll need to upgrade at some point. When Ting alerted us, I called the electric company. They replaced the wire from the utility pole, and the connections to our house. Since then we have had no issues, power surges or flickering – and seems we may have averted something even worse like a fire.”
– Simon in Evanston, IL
Myth #6: There will be noticeable signs of an electrical problem before it sparks a fire
The truth: While some hazards cause sparks, discoloration, or burning smells, most develop in hidden areas—inside walls, attics, or behind outlets—where they go unnoticed until it’s too late. Electrical hazards can also develop when you are asleep or away from home and unable to see, smell, or hear dangerous signs.
Safety Tip: Don’t ignore seemingly minor electrical issues. If you notice frequent tripped breakers, unexplained power fluctuations, or unusual odors, call a licensed electrician to investigate before it becomes a bigger problem.
Myth #7: Ting can prevent all electrical fires
The truth: While we’re dedicated to continuously making Ting even better, today Ting cannot prevent 100% of electrical fires. Ting detects and monitors electrical arcing that develops overtime, but some electrical failures happen too suddenly or don’t produce detectable arcing (like catastrophic failures or dangerous “glowing” connections). While the Ting sensor and service prevents ~80% of electrical fires, our Fire Safety and Engineering teams are always improving Ting technology to reduce the remaining 20% of electrical fires that it does not yet prevent.
Safety Tip: Stay alert to potential hazards. Flickering lights, electrical odors, or unusual sounds can signal a fire risk. If you notice these, contact the Ting Fire Safety Team or a licensed electrician. And if there’s immediate danger, always call 911.
Electrical fires often stem from hidden hazards and common misconceptions about electrical safety. By combining Ting’s proactive hazard detection with smart electrical safety habits and routine electrical inspections, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing your home is better protected.