Electrical Fire Statistics Australia: Insights & Trends

Statistics on fires in Australia indicate that nearly 40% are caused by faulty electrical wiring, appliances, or device faults. These may lead to several types of injury, fatalities, or patently expensive damage to property or businesses.

From 2021 to 2022, Australia and New Zealand had at least nine fatalities due to electrical fires, an estimated average of 0.29 per million population. On the other hand, damage to buildings started from s$8 million.

Electrical fires can greatly threaten people, property, and finances, and an effective prevention measure is highly justified. Realising the risks of electrical fires would serve personal safety and enhance general community welfare.

Key Electrical Fire Statistics in Australia

It is reported that electrical fires constitute nearly about 40% of all fires in Australia every year. This figure is significant enough to warrant the importance of electrical safety in all buildings, whether homes or businesses.

Overall Incidents

It was found that about 1,143 claims were made in 2022 for home and contents fires, with appliances installed in homes identified as major contributors to such claims.

In the first quarter of 2023, the number of fire-related claims has risen to 294, thus indicating increased occurrences with the approach of winter. Traditionally, about 15% more claims concerning fire are likely to be seen during this season than at other times of the year.

Common Causes of Electrical Fires

Here are the most common causes of electrical fires in residential and commercial settings:

Faulty Wiring: Aging electrical systems and defective electrical wiring may not be able to carry up to the demand, giving quicker heating up and burning wires, leading to electrical fires.

Overloaded Circuits: Keeping several high-wattage appliances on a single circuit can overload the circuit and cause it to burn out.

Appliance Malfunctions: Faulty appliances can stall and create short circuits, leading to fires.

Statewide Breakdown

Electrical fire incidents in Australia differ throughout various states and regions. Generally, they are caused by weather patterns and environmental conditions.

Victoria: The state has been struck by several electrical fires, mostly from the aged power infrastructure and areas where wires cannot conform to the safety standards in most cases. Another major issue is wildfires, which remain challenging because of electrical safety.

New South Wales (NSW): The biggest populated state, it has fire incidents from electrical faults instead. The continuous observation and a rising number of cases during winter indicate that the heating requirements are more likely to contribute to the occurrence of electrical fires.

Queensland: In summer, there are more cases of electrical fires this year. Summer heat compels a greater dependence on electrical equipment for cooling, breakage occurs, or it does not function when the appliances are poorly maintained.

Why Electrical Fires Happen: Understanding the Risks

Electrical fires can arise from a range of factors. Residential and businesses must recognise the causes to establish effective prevention strategies and maintain safety.

Faulty Wiring and Overload

Deteriorated or poorly fitted wiring becomes poor over time, which could result in insulation failure and produce excess heat. This may lead to the formation of sparks, which could ignite fires if combustible materials are near those sparks.

Electrical Appliances

Electrical fires everywhere easily originate from faulty and poorly maintained appliances. Heating systems and kitchen gadgets may malfunction as they are high-powered electrical equipment.

Environmental and Human Factors

Extreme phenomena, such as severe storms, can result in power surges or failures in the infrastructure. Moreover, a lack of regular electrical inspections or inappropriate use of external cords can result in a massive increase in the risk of electrical fires in housing and commercial property.

How to Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home or Business

Fire prevention for electrical systems within the boundaries of homes or places of business is essential to maintaining life safety and securing property.

Routine Electrical Inspections

• Regular electrical system inspections will aid in early identification and avert imminent hazards.
• Seek professional help from a licensed electrician every few years. Call Local Electrician Sydney at 02 9119 1344 for a thorough electrical system inspection. 
• Check wiring, outlets, and appliances for signs of wear and act immediately if problems are identified.
• Replace any outdated or malfunctioning electrical components.

Upgrade Old Wiring

• Outdated electrical switchboards and wiring systems must be replaced with new ones, particularly for old houses or structures that have yet to comply with the current codes.
• Ensure all electrical connections are intact and outlets and switches are in good working order to preclude sparking.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in moisture-prone locations, such as kitchens and bathrooms, to prevent electrical shock and reduce the chances of circuit overload.

Proper Use of Appliances

• Limit the number of devices attached to one outlet to avoid overloading circuits.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly for heavy hitters such as heaters, irons, or kitchen gadgets.
• Unplug appliances when not in use to reduce risks of burning or increased voltage surges and for electrical appliance safety.

Install Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

• Install smoke detectors in most specified areas in the building and conduct monthly tests for operational validity.
• Furnish your facility with appropriate fire extinguishers, with specific designs for electrical fires (Class C extinguishers).
• Ensure that your electrical panel is marked and readily accessible for emergency purposes.

Hire Professional Electrical Services

Routine examination of electrical systems proves vital for the early detection and prevention of possible hazards. It is advisable to:

• Hire Local Electrician Sydney to conduct a detailed inspection every few years.
• Inspect all wires and outlets for any deterioration, including appliances, and rectify any fault immediately.
• Replace all worn-out or faulty electrical parts.

What to Do if You Experience an Electrical Fire

In an electrical fire, one needs to act quickly and correctly to minimise damages and ensure safety. Below are electrical fire safety tips regarding what to do when faced with an electrical fire.

Evacuate Immediately: Evacuate the house or building immediately when you see signs of electrical fire for safety.

Call 000: Call the emergency number, 000, to handle the fire.

Use a Fire Extinguisher Safely: Always have Class C fire extinguishers rated for electrical fires readily available to put out fires if necessary.

Turn Off the Power: If possible, shut down the power supply to avoid further injuries or property damage.

Electrical Fire Damage: Insurance and Claims Insights

Here are the typical coverage aspects when it comes to electrical fire:

Insurance Coverage for Electrical Fires

Home Reconstruction or Repairs: When your home sustains considerable damage due to fire, dwelling coverage pays for expenses to repair the damage or rebuild if the property was destroyed.

Personal Property Coverage: In case of damage or destruction of items or things inside your house due to electrical fire(your furniture, electronic appliances), personal property coverage can help pay you for it.

Coverage for Other Structures on Property: If the fire damages another building, such as a detached garage or a storage shed, the extra coverage on your policy typically will provide additional pay for these losses.

Filing Claims for Electrical Fire Damages

Processing damages by fire due to electrical fault requires a methodical process, capturing all the essential actions involved in documenting and substantiating your claim. 

Notify Your Insurance Company: Ensure you immediately inform your insurance provider about the electrical fire and do it as soon as possible to avoid delaying your electrical fire damage claims.

Record the Damage: Before making any repairs, document the damage to your property. Include clear photographs and videos of the destruction in all parts of an affected area.

Protect Your Property: Take actions to prevent further damage. For example, calling an expert in restoration to cordon off the area and further damage prevention from smoke, soot, or water damage due to firefighting efforts.

Submit the Claim: Fill out any forms that the insurance company might require to be able to file that claim under damage-loss coverage. These can be any of the following: 

• Claim forms are used as proof of the incident and damage caused.
• All evidence gathered during your processing of documentation of the fire and resultant damage.

Meet with an Adjuster: You must be present during this evaluation so that you’re available to answer questions and give further information about the incident.

Wait for Approval: If approved, the insurance will then remit payment for repairs in compliance with the parameters of your coverage.

Required Documentation

When submitting a claim for damages resulting from electrical fires, it may be essential to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of Loss
• Damage Photos and Videos
• Repair Estimates
• Receipts and Bills
• Insurance Policy Information
• Fire Department Report

How to Prevent Financial Loss

To keep your electrical systems maintained and your insurance valid during fire incidents, you need to:

• Conduct Routine Inspection
• Implement Preventive Maintenance
• Establish Safety Protocols
• Promote Training and Awareness

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the most common causes of electrical fires?

The most common causes of electrical fires include faulty wiring and circuit overload, faulty appliances, and environmental and human factors.

2. How can I protect my home from electrical fires?

Safeguard your home against electrical fires by adopting various preventive strategies, including routine maintenance, safe usage habits, and installing safety devices.

3. Can I handle electrical fire damage myself, or should I call a professional?

Most of the time, a homeowner could do minor repairs; however, most are cases that would require further assistance from an expert.

4. How much does it cost to upgrade old electrical wiring?

The cost of upgrading the outdated electrical wiring in the houses may differ widely, depending on various reasons, such as the size of the house, type and complexity of wiring, geographical location, and age of the property.

5. Does home insurance cover electrical fire damage?

Generally, home insurance covers electrical fire damage except for the negligence clause, arson and intentional damage, and older wiring.