What is a common cause of electrical fires?

Overloaded circuits are a common cause of electrical fires because they exceed the rated capacity of the wiring or devices on that circuit. When too many devices are connected to a single circuit or when devices that draw too much current are used, the circuit can overheat. This excessive heat may eventually damage the insulation of the wiring, leading to short circuits, arcing, or even igniting flammable materials nearby.

It's important to understand that proper circuit design includes considering the load on each circuit and ensuring that it remains within safe limits. Circuit breakers or fuses are also integral as they help protect circuits from overload by interrupting the flow of electricity when the current reaches unsafe levels. Therefore, awareness and management of electrical loads on circuits is crucial to prevent fire hazards.