Otis Singleton
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and cause costly damage. They are often caused by faulty appliances or misuse of equipment. It is important to know how to extinguish an electrical fire, but prevention is always better than cure. To prevent electrical fires, regular maintenance and inspections of electrical systems are vital. If an electrical fire does occur, it is important to act quickly and safely. If you see an electrical fire, call the emergency services right away. If you think you can fight the fire, begin by disconnecting the electricity and using a C-rated fire extinguisher or a fire blanket to smother the flames. Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire, as it can lead to electrocution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher type | Class C-rated or ABC-rated fire extinguisher, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher, dry powder extinguisher, Water Mist fire extinguisher |
| Fire blanket type | Thick, heavy, non-flammable material |
| Other methods | Baking soda, disconnecting electricity |
| Prevention | Regular maintenance, professional installations, quick response to warning signs, proper electrical design, ongoing maintenance, checking electrical connections, removing excess dust, correct circuit protection, fire detection systems, PAT testing, special hazard systems |
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What You'll Learn
Prevention is key: ensure proper design, installation and maintenance
Electrical fires can have devastating consequences, so it's crucial to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of your home or workplace. Here are some detailed guidelines on proper design, installation, and maintenance to minimise the risk of electrical fires:
Design
When designing electrical systems, it's important to consider the electrical load and ensure that circuits and adaptors won't be overloaded. Overloading can occur when too many devices are plugged into a single circuit or adaptor, especially those with high electrical current requirements, such as kettles, irons, or heaters. To prevent this, ensure there are enough sockets available to meet your needs without overloading them. Additionally, consider the placement of electrical appliances to maintain a safe distance from flammable materials and avoid placing heaters near curtains, furniture, or laundry.
Installation
Always hire a licensed electrician for installations to ensure compliance with safety regulations. When installing electrical appliances, follow the manufacturer's instructions and only purchase from reputable retailers. For major appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers, always plug them directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords with these appliances as they can overheat and start fires. If you must use an extension cord temporarily, check its current rating before plugging in appliances to ensure the total current doesn't exceed the adaptor's rating.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent electrical fires. Check your sockets and wiring regularly for any signs of damage, discolouration, or overheating. If you notice burn marks or if sockets feel hot, engage a registered electrician to inspect and repair or replace them. Maintain proper housekeeping practices, such as regularly cleaning your oven and hob to prevent the buildup of food debris and fat, which can pose a fire risk. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for appliance use and maintenance. Additionally, keep an eye out for warning signs of electrical failure, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds, frequently tripped circuit breakers, or blown fuses.
Other Preventive Measures
- Turn off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, especially overnight.
- Register your electrical appliances so the manufacturer can contact you in case of a product recall.
- Install working smoke alarms on each floor of your property to provide early warning in case of a fire.
- Ensure proper fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers designed for electrical fires, and train employees or occupants on how to operate them effectively.
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How to extinguish: use a Class C fire extinguisher
Electrical fires are dangerous and can cause extensive damage. The use of water to extinguish such fires is ill-advised, as it can lead to electrocution and severe injuries or fatalities. Water can also spread the fire further. Therefore, it is important to use a specialised fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires.
A Class C fire extinguisher is the appropriate tool to fight small electrical fires. This type of extinguisher uses dry powder or a dry chemical to smother the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply.
- Ensure you are trained to use a fire extinguisher.
- If it is safe to do so, disconnect the electricity supply by unplugging the appliance or switching off the power at the main breaker.
- Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames.
- Squeeze the handle slowly.
- Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, ensuring you cover the entire fire.
Remember to prioritise your safety. If the fire is beyond your control, immediately evacuate the premises and call the fire service.
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Don't use water: it conducts electricity and can worsen the fire
Water is a conductor of electricity, so pouring it on electrical equipment can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Using water on an electrical fire can spread the fire further and cause an electric shock, leading to electrocution. Therefore, it is advised to never use water to extinguish an electrical fire.
If the power supply is removed, the fire can be dealt with using the most appropriate fire extinguishing media. If the power supply remains on, or if it is unknown whether the equipment is live, firefighting equipment is generally restricted to carbon dioxide (CO2) gas or dry powder fire extinguishers, neither of which conducts electricity. CO2 is regarded as a clean agent, minimising downtime and cleanup, and can be used on live low and high-voltage systems, although a safe distance must be maintained from high-voltage equipment.
In the UK, commercial properties are legally required to have appropriate fire extinguishers installed, and it is advisable to place them near high-risk areas to ensure quick access in an emergency. Water mist fire extinguishers are also available, but their use is restricted to those specifically trained.
If a fire extinguisher is not available, a thick fire blanket can be used to smother the flames and cut off the fire's oxygen supply. Baking soda can also be used to smother a small fire, releasing carbon dioxide to choke the fire.
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Cut the power supply: if it's safe to do so
If it is safe to do so, cutting off the power supply to the affected area or appliance should always be a priority when dealing with an electrical fire. Removing the power supply will eliminate the risk of electrocution and prevent the fire from spreading.
If the plug is involved in the fire or is out of reach, go to your electrical panel and turn off the power at the main breaker. This will stop the source of sparking or arcing that started the fire. If you are unable to shut off the power, only use a C-rated fire extinguisher to fight the fire.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are regarded as the best choice for electrical fires. They are safe to use on live low-voltage systems and live high-voltage systems, although a safe distance must be maintained from high-voltage equipment. CO2 displaces oxygen to choke the fire out without conducting the electrical current.
If you do not have access to a CO2 extinguisher, dry powder extinguishers can also be used on electrical fires. However, they are not as effective as CO2 extinguishers.
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When to evacuate: if the fire persists or escalates
If the electrical fire persists or escalates beyond your control, your number one priority should be your safety. Leave the premises immediately and call the fire service from a safe distance.
In the event of an electrical fire, it is imperative to act quickly and follow the correct procedures. Firstly, if it is safe to do so, cut off the electrical power supply at the mains to remove the source of ignition. This will stop the sparking or arcing that started the fire. If possible, disconnect the electricity by unplugging the appliance. However, if the plug is involved or you cannot reach it safely, go to your electrical panel and turn off the power at the main breaker.
If the fire is small and you feel confident in your ability to fight it safely, use a Class C fire extinguisher, spraying at the base of the flames and sweeping from side to side. If you do not have a Class C extinguisher, a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher or a dry powder extinguisher can be used as a safer alternative to water. CO2 extinguishers are regarded as "clean agents" as they do not contaminate adjacent equipment. However, it is important to maintain a safe distance from high-voltage equipment.
If you do not have access to a suitable fire extinguisher, you can smother the flames with a thick fire blanket or a heavy, non-flammable material. Ensure the blanket covers the fire completely, cutting off its oxygen supply, which is crucial for combustion. For very small fires, baking soda can be used to smother the flames.
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Frequently asked questions
Call the emergency services right away. If you think you can fight the fire safely, begin by disconnecting the electricity, if possible.
Never attempt to extinguish an electrical fire with water. Use a C-rated (or ABC-rated) fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, or baking soda to smother the flames. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are also safe to use on electrical fires.
Ensure regular maintenance and professional installation of electrical appliances. Check electrical connections are secure and remove excess dust buildup. Ensure correct circuit protection, such as fuses, circuit breakers, and Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
