What are the causes of electrical cord fires?

When electricity in the form of lightning strikes wood, the temperature is so high that combustion is almost instantaneous.

In Homes electricity is carried by wires and to an appliance using a Plug.

1. If there is extremely small gap between the Plug rod and receptacle in the socket the sparks are formed. If there is any object that can catch fire then a fire can be caused.

2. Most of the wires that carry current are coated with Plastic that is normally Fire retardant. When current passes the wire gets heated and as ambient temperatures changes a poor quality plastic an get hardened and then crack. This causes sparks to be created between the wire and the wall. IF wall is not Fire retardant then fire can ensue. Some times the plastic itself starts burning and then comes in contact with wooden or fire hazard material and then fire can break out.