Did you know? Electrical wires also have a "service life"
Fires caused by aging electrical wiring are not uncommon in daily life.
How to Prevent Electrical Fires from Aging Wiring?
How to Extinguish Electrical Fires Safely?
What is Aging of Electrical Wiring?
Electrical Wires are coated with insulation layers and protective jackets, which safeguard the conductive metal core. Aging of electrical wiring refers to the degradation of these insulation and protective layers over time due to prolonged exposure to factors such as:
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Light exposure
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Temperature fluctuations (thermal cycling)
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Thermal shock (sudden cold/heat stress)
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Corrosive gases
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Electrical overload
As a result, the layers lose their insulating and protective functions, increasing risks of short circuits, leakage currents, or fires.
In many areas, electrical wiring systems have been in use for years without regular inspections or timely replacements. When power consumption increases, leading to high resistance and excessive loads, the aging wires are more prone to overheating, ultimately triggering fires.
The typical service life of household electrical wires is around 15 years. Here's something to keep in mind:How old is the wiring in your home?If it's older than that, it's time to take action!
1.Check the date
The most direct method is to determine the years of use for the electrical wiring by checking the manufacture date indicated on it, in order to assess whether the wiring has aged.
2.Calculate the time
If the residence has not undergone any new renovations and still uses the original electrical wiring installed during construction or prior refurbishment, you can roughly assess the extent of wire aging by calculating the time elapsed since the house was completed or occupied.
3.Conduct a visual inspection
Visual Inspection Protocol: Wiring systems shall be deemed aged when exhibiting:
- Loose/Incomplete Connections at junctions
- Thread Disengagement in terminal fasteners
- Insulation Layer Breach (≥3mm exposed conductor)
- Detachment of Insulation Support Clips
- Abnormal Odor Emission during energization.
4.Insulation Resistance Test
Insulation Testing Protocol: Wiring is confirmed aged when insulation resistance measured with a megohmmeter drops below permissible thresholds.
Apart from the natural aging of electrical circuits, factors such as improper wiring, overloading, short circuits, and improper installation of overcurrent protection devices can all lead to fires. This underscores the importance of implementing preventive measures in our daily work and home life.
