Loose Wire & Improper Electrical Joints – One of the Main Causes of Fire in Retail Stores

Fire accidents in retail stores are increasing every year. Most of the time, the answer is short circuit. But very few people understand why a short circuit actually happens.

Many shop owners believe:
“Electrical fires can happen anytime; we can’t avoid them". This is not true

In reality, most electrical fires are avoidable if wiring is planned and executed correctly.

Why Short Circuits Happen in Shops & Commercial Spaces

1. Loose Wires & Temporary Electrical Extensions

This is the most common mistake seen in retail stores.

When a new electrical point is required, many people

• Take supply from a nearby socket or switch
• Do a temporary extension
• Do not calculate load or amp requirements

They ignore:

• Total load on that point
• Running hours of equipment
• Heat generated over time

Loose connections slowly create heat and sparks, which finally lead to short circuits and fire.

2. Cutting Existing Wires & Adding Joints

Instead of pulling a fresh wire, many electricians:

• Cut the existing wire
• Add a joint to extend the length.
• Cover it with tape or connector

This is very dangerous.
Even in new buildings, due to layout changes, wire joints are added inside ceilings or walls.

Over time:

• Joints loosen
• Resistance increases
• Heat builds at the joint

Correct practice:

Whenever a new point is needed, a wire must be taken directly from the source (MCB / DB / switch) to the load point.

3. Bad planning and wrong electrical parts

Bad planning is a big reason why electrical fires happen.

Common mistakes include:

• Wrong wire thickness (gauge)
• Incorrect MCB rating
• Low-amp switches used for heavy equipment
• Poor phase load distribution

Missing safety devices like the following:

• ELCB / RCCB
• MCCB for higher loads

And also increase fire risk

Other Important Reasons That Are Often Ignored

1. Overloading of Plug Points

Using one plug point for multiple heavy appliances like

• Freezer
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Display lighting

leads to continuous overheating.

2. Electrical materials that aren't very good

Wires, switches and sockets that are cheap:

• Get hot faster
• Have bad insulation
• Fail quickly

Always buy electrical products that have the ISI mark

3. Hidden Joints Above Ceiling or Inside Panels

Hidden joints are dangerous because

• Heat cannot escape
• Problems go unnoticed
• Fire spreads very fast.

4. No Periodic Electrical Inspection

Most retail stores never check wiring after installation.
Over time, load increases and insulation weakens, but wiring is never upgraded.

Conclusion

Electrical fires are not sudden accidents.

They are usually caused by:

• Loose wiring
• Improper joints
• Overloading
• Wrong planning
• Poor-quality materials

With correct wiring practices and regular inspection, up to 90% of retail store electrical fires can be prevented.

We offer design / turnkey execution with lighting, MEP and visual merchandising integration for your space. Visit www.nextbc.in to learn more . . .

Thanks

Share Post:

facebook Linkedin Instagram