NFPA Journal - Spring 2022 - 72

NFPA Research The Reports
December, January, and
February.
Fires involving electrical
failure or malfunction
were less likely to occur
in the overnight hours
between midnight and
8 a.m. (22% of total), but
fires during this period
accounted for over half
(54%) of the civilian
deaths.
REPORT SUMMARY
Home Fires Caused
by Electrical Failure
or Malfunction
By Richard Campbell
H
ome fires caused by electrical failure or malfunction
can start in wiring, electrical distribution systems,
lighting equipment, and in any equipment powered
by electricity, including household appliances and
electronics. Electrical failures or malfunctions were
responsible for 13 percent of home structure fires during the period
2015-2019. These fires also accounted for 15 percent of civilian
deaths and 12 percent of civilian injuries, and accounted for the
greatest share of direct property damage (21 percent) over this
period.
Home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction were most
likely to occur in cold-weather months. It is likely that home fires are
more prevalent in winter months due to the increased use of space
heaters and blankets, or combustible objects being left against electrical
baseboard heating units. Greater use of electrical stoves and
ranges, as well as the use of holiday lighting on already taxed electrical
circuits, could also play a role.
KEY
FINDINGS
NFPA.ORG/
ELECTRICALFIRES
Read the complete
report on home
fires caused by
electrical failure
or malfunction.
Local fire departments
responded to an estimated
average of 46,700
home fires involving
electrical failure or malfunction
each year during
the period 2015-2019.
Home fires involving
electrical failure or
malfunction caused an
estimated average of 390
civilian deaths and 1,330
civilian injuries each year
from 2015 to 2019, as
well as an estimated $1.5
billion in direct property
damage per year.
72 | NFPA JOURNAL * SPRING 2022
Electrical distribution,
lighting, and power transfer
equipment accounted
for half (49%) of home
fires involving electrical
failure or malfunction,
followed by cooking
equipment (15%), heating
equipment (9%), fans
(6%), air conditioners
(3%), and clothes dryers
(3%).
Three in 10 fires (30%)
involving electrical failure
or malfunction occurred
during the cold-weather
months of November,
Short circuits from defective and worn insulation
caused 14 percent of civilian home fire deaths.
GETTY IMAGES
(63%) involving an electrical
failure or malfunction
from 2015 to 2019.
Short circuits from defective
and worn insulation
caused 14% of civilian
home fire deaths. This
can be caused when electrical
cords are pinched
by doors or furniture or
through repetitive flexing.
It can also be due to
damaged wiring inside
walls from nails, screws,
or drill bits that puncture
insulation during ordinary
activities like hanging a
picture.
originating in an attic or
ceiling/roof assembly or
concealed space.
The number of home
fires involving electrical
failure or malfunction
has followed a distinct
downward trend since
1980, despite year-to-year
fluctuations.
From a peak of 75,000
fires in 1980, the estimated
number of fires
involving electrical failure
or malfunction has fallen
to fewer than 60,000
annual fires since 1998.
RICHARD CAMPBELL is senior research analyst in the
Research Division at NFPA.
Arcing served as the heat
source in approximately
three in five home fires
Aging electrical systems
in older homes can be
a source of arc faults,
either through normal
wear and tear or because
the systems cannot
accommodate the greater
demands of modern
appliances.
One in five home fires
(19%) involving electrical
failure or malfunction
originated in a kitchen
or cooking area, with
another 12% originating
in a bedroom and 10%
http://www.NFPA.ORG/electricalfires http://www.NFPA.ORG/electricalfires
NFPA Journal - Spring 2022

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