Beatrice Lang
Electrical fires can be life-threatening and cause significant damage to property. They can be caused by a wide range of problems, including faulty wiring, overloaded appliances, or equipment misuse. The first step in managing an electrical fire is to disconnect the electricity supply by unplugging the appliance or shutting off the power. Water must never be used to extinguish live electrical fires, as it conducts electricity and can lead to dangerous sparks and electric shocks. Instead, a Class C fire extinguisher or a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires should be used. For small electrical fires, baking soda can be used to smother the flames by blocking oxygen. Fire blankets, thick clothing, or heavy blankets can also be used to smother small fires.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Turn off the electricity or cut off the power source |
| If the fire source is reachable | Unplug the appliance |
| If the plug is out of reach | Shut off the electricity to your home |
| To smother a small fire | Use baking soda or sodium bicarbonate |
| To smother a fire | Use a fire blanket, thick clothing, or a heavy blanket |
| Fire extinguisher | Use a C-rated or ABC fire extinguisher |
| Water | Only use if the power is disconnected |
| If in doubt | Call the fire department |
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What You'll Learn
Disconnect the electricity supply
Disconnecting the electricity is the first step in managing an electrical fire. This is because electricity is the source of the fire, and removing it will also reduce the risk of electrocution.
If the fire is caused by an appliance and it is safe to do so, unplug it from the power source. If the plug is out of reach, you should still try to get to your home's electrical panel and shut off the electricity in your home completely. If the fire is in a cable, pull the cable from the power source.
If the fire is inside a wall or ceiling, shut off the power to your home and call the emergency services. If the fire has spread, disconnecting the electricity from the area or property is recommended.
If you are unable to disconnect the electricity, do not attempt to put out the fire with water. Water is a conductor of electricity and will make the situation more dangerous.
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Use a C-rated fire extinguisher
If you discover an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to call the emergency services. If you think you can tackle the fire yourself, you must disconnect the electricity supply if it is safe to do so. If the appliance is plugged in, unplug it. If the plug is out of reach, go to your home's electrical panel and shut off the electricity there.
If you have a C-rated fire extinguisher, you can use it to spray the flames. Before using the extinguisher, make sure you have read the instructions and are familiar with how to use it. Pull the safety pin on the handle, aim the nozzle at the flames, and squeeze the handle while sweeping the nozzle from left to right.
Residential fire extinguishers are usually multi-purpose and labelled ABC fire extinguishers. However, it is important to verify that your extinguisher is indeed rated for electrical fires.
If you do not have a C-rated fire extinguisher, do not use water on the fire unless you are certain that the power source has been disconnected. Water is a natural conductor of electricity, and you risk electrocution if the power is still on.
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Smother with baking soda
If you are dealing with a small electrical appliance fire, one way to extinguish it is to smother it with baking soda. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, a chemical also found in Class C fire extinguishers. It works by cutting off the fire's oxygen supply.
Firstly, if it is safe to do so, unplug the appliance to reduce the risk of flames spreading and to prevent electrocution. If you cannot unplug the appliance, do not touch it or attempt to smother the fire with baking soda. Instead, turn off the electricity at the main breaker panel to eliminate the flow of electricity.
Once the appliance is unplugged or the power is off, grab a box of baking soda and pour it directly onto the fire. Keep your hands at a safe distance to prevent burns and do not touch the appliance. Do not use baking powder, as this is highly flammable and could make the fire worse.
Keep a box of baking soda easily accessible in your kitchen or near appliances to quickly extinguish any small fires that may occur.
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Call the fire department
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and must be treated as a major life threat. If you have any doubt about your ability to put out the fire, or if the fire has spread, call the fire department immediately.
If the electrical fire started in an appliance attached to the wall, ceiling, or floor, call the fire department. In this case, the fire may be burning or smouldering inside the building where you can't see it.
If you are unsure about the source of the fire, call the fire department. A burning smell or smoke coming from inside a wall or ceiling could indicate an electrical fire developing inside your walls.
If you see any warning signs of electrical failure, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds from the electrical system, or circuit breakers that often trip, call an electrician. If you notice any discolouration on outlets, call an electrician.
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Preventing electrical fires
Electrical fires are a serious hazard that can lead to injuries, deaths, and property loss. To prevent electrical fires, it is important to take certain precautions and be vigilant about potential fire hazards in your home or community. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you prevent electrical fires:
Inspect and Maintain Your Electrical System:
- Schedule regular professional inspections, especially for older homes. A licensed electrician should inspect your electrical system every 3-5 years to identify outdated wiring, faulty circuit breakers, and worn-out components.
- Look for warning signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights, frequently tripped circuit breakers, blown fuses, buzzing noises from outlets, or discoloured sockets. These could indicate underlying problems.
- If you notice any issues with your electrical system, such as stumbling or shorting when using a specific device, consider replacing it. If the problem persists, consult an electrician.
Practice Safe Appliance Usage:
- Always buy appliances from reputable retailers and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, use, and maintenance.
- Avoid overloading outlets and power strips with too many devices. Spread the use of appliances across different outlets and circuits.
- Do not use appliances with worn or frayed cords, and never run cords under rugs or carpets.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use, and turn off and unplug handheld devices like hair dryers and straighteners after use.
- Be cautious when using space heaters. Keep them away from flammable materials, and never use them to dry clothes. Opt for heaters with an automatic shut-off feature.
- Regularly clean behind your fridge, freezer, oven, and hob to prevent the buildup of lint, dust, and food debris, which can be fire hazards.
Use Proper Lighting and Bulbs:
- Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for your lamps and light fixtures. Installing bulbs with too high wattage can cause fixtures to overheat and lead to fires.
- Keep flammable materials, such as cloth, paper, or curtains, away from light sources and lampshades.
Avoid Misuse of Extension Cords:
- Do not use extension cords with major appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, or heating units. These appliances require direct connection to wall outlets.
- Only use extension cords temporarily and as a last resort. If you require additional outlets, consult an electrician.
By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires and enhance the safety of your home or community.
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Frequently asked questions
If it is safe to do so, unplug the appliance to disconnect the electricity supply and remove the source of the fire. If the plug is out of reach, switch off the electricity at the mains. If the fire is small, you can smother it with baking soda or a fire blanket. If the fire is larger, use a C-rated fire extinguisher.
Water conducts electricity, so pouring water on an electrical fire can cause electric shocks and make the fire worse. Only use water to extinguish an electrical fire if you are certain that the power source has been disconnected.
Make sure your electrical appliances are in good working order and replace old or inconsistent appliances. Watch out for warning signs of electrical failure, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or frequently tripping circuit breakers.
