Just read a report from the NFPA about how many electrical fires start in attics

I was looking through some old safety bulletins at the supply house and saw a 2023 NFPA stat that said over 15% of home electrical fires begin in attic spaces. They said it's mostly from things like old knob and tube, bad splices, and lights too close to insulation. How often do you guys check attic wiring during routine calls?

2 comments

2 Comments

mary_schmidt8d ago

That stat about old knob and tube and bad splices is exactly why I always pop my head up there. I've found junction boxes buried under insulation, wires chewed by rodents, and DIY extensions with wire nuts just wrapped in tape. It's never part of the main job, but if I'm already in the house for something else, I take a quick look. You find the real fire hazards in those forgotten spaces.

hugo_singh8d ago

Is 15% really that high though? Most attics are full of old wiring that's been fine for decades. I see a lot of those old splices wrapped in tape and they're still working. The stats make it sound like a ticking time bomb but most houses just keep chugging along. I only check if there's a specific reason, like flickering lights on that circuit.