Case Study: Electrical Fire Due to Overloaded Circuits in Lake Stevens, WA
- Kristin Woolley
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Customer Background: A homeowner in Lake Stevens, WA, contacted LeMaster Electric after experiencing a major electrical fire in their home. The property, a charming older home, had seen multiple renovations over the years, but the electrical system remained largely unchanged since its original installation. As the homeowner's electrical demands increased due to new appliances, home office equipment, and additional lighting, they didn't realize their existing electrical system could no longer handle the increased load.
The Problem: For months, the homeowner had noticed several warning signs that their electrical system was under strain. Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, and outlets that felt warm to the touch were all present, but these symptoms were ignored or written off as minor inconveniences. The system lacked a modern breaker or subpanel, which meant it couldn’t properly distribute or protect against electrical overloads.
The constant strain on the system caused the wiring to heat up beyond its rated capacity, and, over time, this led to the wires becoming dangerously hot. Without a breaker or subpanel to disconnect the power during these overloads, the wires continued to heat, eventually sparking a fire in their out-building.
The Incident: The fire broke out late at night, triggered by the overburdened electrical system. Fortunately, the homeowner was able to safely evacuate the house without injury. However, the fire caused significant damage to the attic and parts of the electrical wiring throughout the home. Emergency responders quickly arrived, and the fire was contained, but the damage to the property and electrical system was extensive.
The Solution: LeMaster Electric was called to assess the damage and restore power to the home. Upon inspection, we identified that the lack of a breaker or subpanel had allowed the overloads to go unchecked, leading directly to the fire. The wiring, which had been stretched beyond its limits, was no longer safe for use.
Our team worked to:
Replace the Damaged Wiring: We completely rewired the affected areas, ensuring everything met modern safety standards.
Install a New Breaker and Subpanel: A new breaker and subpanel were added to distribute the load more effectively and prevent future overloads.
Upgrade the Electrical System: We upgraded the entire electrical panel to handle the increased demand of modern appliances and electronics.
Perform a Comprehensive Safety Inspection: We conducted a thorough inspection of the home’s electrical system, ensuring that all wiring and connections were safe and up to code.
Results: Once the repairs were completed, the homeowner's electrical system was completely restored to full functionality. They now have a safe, reliable electrical setup that can handle the demands of modern living without the risk of future overloads or fires. The new breaker and subpanel provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that any future electrical issues will be detected and shut down before they can escalate.
Key Takeaways: This case highlights the critical importance of not ignoring warning signs in your electrical system. Overloading circuits, using outdated wiring, and failing to have proper safety measures like a breaker or subpanel can lead to catastrophic consequences. By addressing electrical issues early and upgrading to meet modern demands, homeowners can avoid the risk of fires and ensure the safety of their family and property.
Conclusion: LeMaster Electric encourages all homeowners to regularly inspect their electrical systems, especially if they’ve noticed any signs of trouble. Ignoring small issues can lead to major hazards, as this case from Lake Stevens clearly demonstrates. If you’re experiencing any warning signs like frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or warm outlets, don’t wait — contact LeMaster Electric today to schedule an inspection and ensure your electrical system is safe and up to code.
Contact LeMaster Electric for Expert Electrical Services in Lake Stevens, WA, and Beyond.
