Every day, you plug your phone in to charge. You flip on the television. You microwave a dish. All of this requires electricity. And electricity is inherently dangerous.
Unfortunately, electrical fires are not uncommon in homes. Yet, many homeowners do not know what it takes to maintain their system against these risks.
The good news? Your home insurance may help cover losses, in some cases.
Will Home Insurance Cover Electrical Fires? 
An electrical fire can occur for various reasons. Sometimes, the fire breaks out due to an unpreventable incident, such as an accident or “act of God.” In these cases, home insurance may cover the loss.
However, if a fire occurs due to poor maintenance, your insurer may not offer protection. That’s because homeowners are responsible for all upkeep and maintenance. Your home insurance policy stipulates as much.
But, what do you need to do to maintain your home’s electric system?
How to Care for Your Home’s Electrical System
To prevent fires, keep the electrical system working properly. This means more than just paying the bill.
Monitor Your Usage
Every year, you might purchase a new television or computer. You might even purchase a bigger refrigerator or more powerful air conditioner. These new appliances add wattage demand to your home.
Unfortunately, your system is not limitless. Too much wattage creates risk. Verify how much wattage your system can manage. If it is not enough, consider extending wattage through circuit breakers or other methods.
Notice Dimming or Flickering Lights
A big sign of a problem is the very short dimming of a light. In these situations, lights will flicker very quickly. This can happen when you plug in or turn on an appliance. It may happen when the air conditioner comes on. Regardless of the cause, flickering is an indication your wiring is not able to keep up with demand. This should be a sign to seek out help from an electrician.
Look at the Quality of Your Electrical Lines
A whole-home electrical inspection is necessary every five to ten years. If your home is older, be sure to have it inspected sooner. If you notice bare wires, this is an indication of a need for a repair.
Systems installed more than 50 years ago can indicate an out of date system. Newer systems have built-in circuit interrupters. These help to minimize surges.
Have an electrician come to your home. An electrical inspection can give you peace of mind. It also ensures your home insurance is capable of covering your losses.