Every 88 Seconds, a Home Fire Starts Don't Let Yours Be Next

The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends professional inspections every 3-5 years for homes under 25 years old, and every 1-2 years for older homes. You should also schedule an inspection after purchasing a home, before major renovations, after storms with lightning damage, or if you notice warning signs like flickering lights, warm outlets, or tripping breakers.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets detect when electricity flows through an unintended path—like water or a person—and cut power in 1/30th of a second. Before GFCIs became common, 800 Americans died from electrocution annually. Today, that number is around 200, thanks largely to GFCI protection. The NEC requires them in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and anywhere near water.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers detect dangerous electrical arcs that cause fires—even when standard breakers detect nothing wrong. The CPSC estimates AFCIs could prevent more than 50% of electrical fires. The NEC requires AFCI protection in virtually all 120-volt, 15 or 20-amp circuits in living spaces. If your home was built before 2002, you likely don't have this protection.

Consider a panel upgrade if: your home has a fuse box instead of breakers, your panel is a Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic brand (known fire hazards), your panel is over 25 years old, breakers trip frequently, you're adding major 240V appliances like an EV charger or hot tub, or your panel is less than 200 amps. Modern electrical demands often exceed what older panels can safely supply.

While Missouri homeowners can legally perform some electrical work in their own homes, the risks are significant. Improper electrical work causes fires, shock hazards, and can void your homeowner's insurance. It can also create problems when selling your home—buyers and inspectors will identify non-permitted work. St. Charles County requires permits and inspections for most electrical work, ensuring it meets safety codes.

Warning signs include: two-prong (ungrounded) outlets, aluminum wiring (common in 1965-1973 homes), knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1940s homes), Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, frequently tripping breakers, warm or discolored outlets, burning smells, tingling when touching appliances, or any wiring over 40 years old. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the average American home is over 37 years old—many have outdated electrical systems.

Code-correct means the work meets all requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local St. Charles County ordinances. This matters because: it ensures your electrical system is safe, it validates your homeowner's insurance coverage, it prevents issues during home inspections when selling, and it protects your family from fire and shock hazards. All our work is permitted and inspected by local authorities.

Licensed electricians invest years in training, pass rigorous exams, carry liability insurance, and maintain bonds required by St. Charles County. This protects you: if something goes wrong, you're covered. Handymen and unlicensed workers may charge less, but their work isn't inspected, may void your insurance, and could create fire or shock hazards. When it comes to electricity, the cheapest option is rarely the safest.

St. Charles County requires permits for most electrical work beyond simple repairs. This includes: panel upgrades, new circuits, adding outlets, EV charger installation, ceiling fan installation (if new wiring is needed), hot tub/pool wiring, generator installation, and most work involving the electrical panel. Permits ensure the work is inspected for safety. Contact St. Charles County Building Division at 636-949-3227 with questions.

According to the NFPA, you can significantly reduce fire risk by: having a licensed electrician inspect your system regularly, installing AFCI breakers in living spaces, replacing any damaged cords or outlets immediately, never overloading circuits, using appropriate wattage bulbs, keeping combustibles away from electrical equipment, and ensuring smoke detectors are installed on every level. Electrical fires often occur between 12-4 AM when families are sleeping—prevention is critical.