Beatrice Lang
Electrical fires are more complicated than your average house fire because they are connected to electrical systems. They can be caused by electrical devices or cables with broken casings or frayed cords, or by power boards and extension cords. The first step to putting out an electrical fire is to cut off the electricity supply by unplugging the device or turning off the main switch. Water should never be used to put out an electrical fire as it conducts electricity and can cause electric shock or electrocution. Instead, a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a fire blanket can be used to smother the fire and remove its oxygen source. If the fire is large, it is important to evacuate the area and call emergency services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do first | If it is a large fire, evacuate the building and call the fire department. If it is a small fire, cut the power. |
| What not to do | Do not throw water on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity and can cause electric shock or electrocution. Water can also cause the fire to spread. |
| How to cut the power | If it is safe to do so, unplug the device causing the fire. If the fire has spread to a plug, switch, or circuit, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. |
| How to extinguish the fire | If you have one, use a fire extinguisher. If not, small electrical fires can be dealt with by throwing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) directly onto the fire or smothering the fire with a fire blanket, thick clothing, or a heavy blanket. |
| Preventative measures | Have a licensed electrician inspect your home to ensure it meets safety provisions. Install smoke detectors in every room of your home and test them monthly. Develop an evacuation plan for your home and practice it with your family. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water
Water should not be used to put out an electrical fire. Water is a natural conductor of electricity, and throwing water on an electrical fire can cause electric shock or electrocution. It can also cause the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room, especially if there are flammable materials, such as curtains or a fabric couch, in the room.
If you have water on your body, such as wet hands from washing dishes, do not attempt to unplug any appliances. Water can fuel an electrical fire, and you could be electrocuted.
If you know what device is causing the fire and you can safely reach the cord, unplug it. If the fire is still small, you can smother it with baking soda. Another way to put out a small electrical fire is to cut off its oxygen source by covering it with clothing or a heavy blanket.
If you are unable to extinguish the fire, get out of the building and call the fire department. Close the door as you leave to contain the fire, and do not re-enter your home until the fire has been contained by firefighters.
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Cut the power
If you discover an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to cut the power. Electrical fires are caused by electricity or an electrical fault, so disconnecting the electricity supply is an effective way to stop the fire from spreading.
If the fire is small and you feel you can deal with it, unplug the appliance from the power source. If the appliance is still plugged in but the cord is out of reach, do not attempt to touch the cord. Instead, go to your breaker box and turn off the electricity to the source of the fire by flipping the breaker for that room, or for your entire home if necessary. If the fire has spread to a plug, switch, or circuit, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. This will reduce the risk of the fire spreading and the risk of electrical shocks.
If you are unable to cut the power safely, or the fire is large, get out of the house immediately and call the fire department.
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Use a fire extinguisher
If you discover an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to cut off the electricity supply at the source. If it is safe to do so, unplug the appliance or cord from the power source. If the fire has spread to a plug, switch, or circuit, turn off the main switch at the switchboard. This will help to prevent the fire from spreading and reduce the risk of electrical shocks.
If the fire is small and you feel confident in your ability to put it out, a fire extinguisher is the best way to extinguish an electrical fire. It is important to check that your fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires. Most residential fire extinguishers are multi-purpose and labeled ABC, but it is crucial to verify this before using it. Fire extinguishers that do not have the Class C or ABC marking may conduct electricity, creating an electrocution hazard.
When using a fire extinguisher, aim the spray at the base of the fire to put it out as quickly as possible and prevent any hazards. This will help to deprive the fire of oxygen and stop it from spreading.
If you do not have a fire extinguisher, or if the fire is too large to be safely extinguished, it is important to evacuate the building and call the fire department. Do not try to be a hero—get out and close the doors to help contain the fire. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and let them know you have an electrical emergency.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective way to extinguish small electrical fires. It is a non-conductive agent, meaning it can be used to put out electrical fires without the risk of electrical shock. It also has the added benefit of being non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
If you are faced with a small electrical fire, the first step is to cut the power. Do not touch any cords attached to the appliance that is burning. Instead, go to your breaker box and turn off the power for that room or, if possible, for the entire house.
Then, if it is safe to do so, you can use baking soda to smother the flames. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which displaces oxygen and disrupts the chemical reaction sustaining the fire. This makes it an effective way to extinguish small fires by removing their oxygen supply. Simply sprinkle or pour baking soda over the flames until they are extinguished.
It is important to note that baking soda should only be used for small fires. For larger electrical fires, it is recommended to evacuate the area and call the fire department. Additionally, baking soda should not be confused with baking powder, as baking powder is highly flammable and can cause explosive reactions.
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Call the fire department
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and must be treated as a serious issue. If you are unsure about your ability to put out the fire, or if the fire has spread, the best course of action is to call the fire department immediately. Electrical fires can cause significant damage and pose a risk to the safety of people and property.
If the electrical fire is large, or you are unsure how to deal with it, the first step is to follow a pre-planned escape route and guide your family to safety. Get everyone out immediately. Do not try to be a hero—your safety is the top priority. Close the doors to the room the fire is in, as well as the main house door, to help contain the fire as much as possible. Once you are at a safe distance from the fire, call 911 and inform them that you have an electrical fire.
It is also recommended that you call the fire department if the electrical fire started from an appliance attached to the wall, ceiling, or floor, as the fire may be burning or smouldering inside the building in areas that are not visible. Electrical fires can often burn or smoulder inside walls, where you can't see them, and continue to spread even after you think you've extinguished them.
While waiting for the fire department to arrive, make sure to stay at a safe distance from the building. Do not re-enter your home until the firefighters have arrived and told you it is safe to do so.
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Frequently asked questions
If it's a large fire, get out of the house and call 911. If it's a small fire, cut off the electricity by unplugging the device or turning off the main switch at the switchboard. Then, use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a fire blanket to smother the fire. Do not use water as it will conduct electricity and make the fire worse.
You should use a fire extinguisher that is rated for electrical fires, which is typically a Class C or ABC fire extinguisher. Check the fire extinguisher before the fire occurs to ensure it's appropriate and that it's regularly maintained and inspected.
You can use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to smother the fire and block the oxygen source. You can also use a fire blanket, thick clothing, or a heavy blanket to smother the fire if it's small and safe to do so.
Have a licensed electrician inspect your home to ensure it meets safety standards and identify potential electrical hazards. Install smoke detectors in every room and test them monthly. Develop and practice an evacuation plan with your family so you know what to do in an emergency.
Contact an electrician if you smell anything burning, see smoke coming from an appliance, cord, or plug, or if you see a discolored outlet. Also, look out for electrical devices or cables with broken casings or frayed cords, which can pose a safety risk for electrical shocks and fires.
