What is one common cause of electrical fires?

Overloaded circuits are a prevalent cause of electrical fires because they occur when the electrical demand placed on a circuit exceeds its capacity. This can happen when too many devices are plugged into a single outlet or when appliances that draw significant power are used simultaneously on the same circuit. When the current flowing through the circuit exceeds its safe limit, it can generate excess heat, leading to the insulation of wires melting and potentially igniting a fire. Proper circuit design and adherence to electrical codes are crucial to prevent situations where circuits become overloaded.

While underloaded circuits generally do not pose a fire risk, and high voltage appliances can be safely used if properly installed and maintained, faulty wiring is often associated with various electrical issues, including short circuits, but isn't the most common cause of fires compared to overloaded circuits.