Molly Ayala
Electric fires can be extremely dangerous, causing around 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries each year. They are often caused by faulty outlets, outdated appliances, and overloaded extension cords. It is important to know how to prevent and respond to an electric fire to avoid devastating consequences. This may include replacing old appliances, never overloading outlets, and regularly inspecting your home for warning signs such as electrical buzzing or burning smells. If an electric fire occurs, it is crucial to act quickly and safely. Depending on the size of the fire and your comfort level, you may attempt to put it out using a C-rated fire extinguisher or baking soda. However, if the fire is large or you feel unsafe, immediately evacuate the premises, following a pre-planned escape route, and call 911.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if you suspect an electrical fire | Investigate any burning smells, such as melting plastic or a faint fishy aroma. Other warning signs include electrical humming and buzzing, flickering lights, frequently blown fuses, and circuit breakers that trip often. |
| What to do if an electrical fire is spreading | Get out of the house and call 911. |
| How to prevent an electrical fire | Do not overload your outlets. Avoid appliances with frayed or worn cords. Never run cords under rugs. Be careful with space heaters and ensure they have a built-in shut-off safety mechanism. |
| How to extinguish an electrical fire | Use a C-rated or ABC-rated fire extinguisher. Use baking soda, which releases carbon dioxide and chokes the fire. If the power is off, use water. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water on an electric fire
It is crucial to remember that water should never be used to extinguish an electric fire, especially if the power is still on. Water is a conductor of electricity, and using it on an electric fire will only cause the fire to spread and increase the risk of electrocution or severe electrical shock.
Electric fires are caused by electricity or an electrical fault, originating in electric wires, cables, or circuit breakers. Outdated or failing appliances are the leading cause of electric fires, so it is essential to keep an eye on older appliances and replace them at the first sign of trouble.
If you suspect an electric fire, investigate any burning smells, as wiring typically heats up and burns the insulation, producing a melting plastic or slightly fishy odour. If the source of the smell is inside a wall or ceiling, shut off the power to your home immediately and call emergency services.
If you know which appliance is causing the fire and can safely reach it, unplug it right away. You can also try smothering a small fire with baking soda, as it releases carbon dioxide and chokes the fire. However, if the fire is large or you are unsure how to handle it, focus on evacuating yourself and your family to safety and calling for help.
To reiterate, do not use water on an electric fire. It is essential to prioritize safety and take the necessary steps to extinguish the fire or evacuate if needed.
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Use a fire extinguisher
If you are facing an electrical fire, your first instinct should be to cut off its power supply. If it is safe to do so, unplug the device or switch off the circuit breaker. This will starve the fire of its energy source, curbing its spread and intensity. If it is not safe to access the power supply, immediately follow a pre-planned escape route to guide yourself and others to safety.
If the fire is small and manageable, and you have a fire extinguisher within reach, it is important to check that it is appropriate for putting out an electrical fire. Fire extinguishers for residential use are generally multi-purpose and labelled ABC fire extinguishers, but it is important to verify that it is indeed rated for electrical fires. Electrical fires are Class C fires, so your extinguisher must have a C rating. If your extinguisher doesn't have the Class C or ABC marking, the fluid inside may act as a conductor and create an electrocution hazard.
If you have a Class C fire extinguisher, you can take the following steps to put out the fire:
- Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Follow the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
- If the fire cannot be controlled, evacuate the area and call the emergency services.
CO2 fire extinguishers are the most effective in extinguishing electrical fires. These extinguishers displace the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide to prevent the spread of electrical fire. Dry powder extinguishers can also be used on electrical fires, although they are not as effective as their CO2 counterparts.
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Baking soda can extinguish small fires
When dealing with an electric fire, it is important to act quickly and appropriately. Electrical fires can originate in electric wires, cables, or circuit breakers, and outdated appliances are a common cause. If you notice warning signs, such as burning smells, buzzing, or flickering lights, investigate immediately. If a fire has already started, do not use water unless you disconnect the power first. Water is conductive, so you risk electrocution and spreading the fire. Instead, use a C-rated fire extinguisher, or baking soda if the fire is small.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective fire suppressant for small fires. It is not combustible or flammable and can be used to extinguish flames by releasing carbon dioxide when heated. This carbon dioxide smothers the fire, interrupting the fire triangle of heat, fuel, and oxygen. The rapid expansion of carbon dioxide creates a blanket effect, helping to cool down the fire and prevent reignition. This makes baking soda a valuable tool in fire extinguishers and for fire prevention.
Fire safety experts recommend keeping a box of baking soda in the kitchen or near potential fire hazards. It is a versatile, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly compound, making it ideal for managing kitchen fires, electrical fires, and grease fires. However, it may not be suitable for larger fires or those involving flammable liquids. In these cases, a Class B or C fire extinguisher is more appropriate.
To safely use baking soda as a fire extinguisher, wear protective gear and maintain a safe distance. Avoid inhaling smoke or fumes, and carefully clean up any residue with a damp cloth. Collect the residue in a sealed container and dispose of it according to local regulations. While baking soda is effective for small fires, it is not a direct substitute for traditional fire extinguishers, so always follow established fire safety protocols.
If the electrical fire is large or you are unsure how to deal with it, evacuate the building immediately and call emergency services. Have a pre-planned escape route to guide your family to safety. It is crucial to know how to respond to electrical fires to prevent a small fire from becoming a devastating disaster.
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Preventing electric fires
Electrical fires are a leading cause of house fires and can be extremely destructive, causing significant damage and threatening lives and properties. They are caused by ignitions from overheating, malfunctioning, or damaged electrical components, equipment, or wiring. Here are some detailed and direct instructions to prevent electrical fires:
Inspect and Maintain Electrical Cords and Plugs Regularly:
- Regularly check electrical devices, especially older appliances, for damaged or frayed electrical cords.
- Look out for warning signs of electrical failure, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds from the electrical system, and frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
- If you notice any wear or fraying of wires, stop using the device and replace the cord or plug.
- Never break off the third prong on a plug to fit it into a two-pronged outlet.
- Always hold the plug securely when pulling it out of the wall to avoid putting strain on the cord.
- If you need to use an extension cord frequently, consider hiring an electrician to install additional electrical outlets.
Practice Proper Appliance Safety:
- Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines when using appliances.
- Disconnect small appliances, such as toasters, toaster ovens, and coffee makers, before cleaning them.
- Ensure that your appliances are properly maintained and serviced. Dust behind and beneath appliances, especially those that generate heat, to prevent the buildup of flammable debris.
- Dryers are particularly susceptible to fires, so clean out the lint trap after each use and have a professional inspect and clean the ducts and vents annually.
- Be cautious when plugging in multiple appliances into a single outlet. Avoid overloading outlets and circuits, as this can lead to overheating and ignite nearby combustible materials.
- Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for the fixture or lamp.
Child-Proof Your Outlets:
- If you have young children, cover unused outlets with safety plugs or install outlets with spring-latch covers to prevent accidental electrocution.
- Store fabric items such as bedding, towels, and rugs at a safe distance from electrical outlets and hot devices.
Hire a Professional Electrician:
- Have a certified electrician inspect your home's electrical system to ensure it meets safety standards.
- Electricians can identify if your home would benefit from additional safety measures, such as AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection, which detects potential electrical hazards that standard breakers might not catch.
- Consider installing Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, especially in areas near water, as they protect against electrical ground faults, fires, and overheating.
Other Precautions:
- Avoid using water to put out an electrical fire. Instead, disconnect the power source or turn off the main switch at the switchboard.
- Keep electrical cords away from sources of heat and water.
- Use surge protectors when plugging multiple items into one outlet, and monitor your electricity usage.
- Ensure that all electrical systems are grounded with an earth wire to guide excess electricity into the ground during an overload.
By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home.
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What to do if you can't extinguish the fire
Electrical fires are dangerous and can result in fatalities and injuries. If you are unable to extinguish an electrical fire, follow these steps:
Get out of the house immediately: Leave the room and then leave the house. Do not try to be a hero. Your life and the lives of your family members are more important than any possessions.
Close the doors: As you leave, make sure you close the doors to the room the fire is in, as well as the house door, to help contain the fire as much as possible.
Call emergency services: Call 911 or your local fire department as soon as you are a safe distance away from the fire. Inform them that it is an electrical fire.
Do not re-enter the house: Do not go back inside to try to put out the fire yourself or retrieve any belongings. Wait until the fire has been contained by firefighters.
Have a pre-planned escape route: In the event of an electrical fire, it is important to have a pre-planned escape route to guide you and your family to safety. Practise this plan periodically to ensure preparedness.
Prevent electrical fires: While it is important to know how to respond to an electrical fire, it is even more crucial to take preventive measures. Invite an electrician to inspect your home to ensure it meets safety standards and identify any potential hazards. Install smoke detectors in every room and test them regularly. Follow basic safety guidelines, such as using portable space heaters with a tip-over safety mechanism and not leaving them on overnight or near combustible materials.
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Frequently asked questions
If you see an electric fire, immediately call 911. If the fire is small and you feel competent and safe to do so, you can try to put it out.
First, turn off the power at the source if it is safe to do so. Then, use a C-rated or ABC-rated fire extinguisher or baking soda to put out the fire. Do not use water unless the power is off, as water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution or the fire to spread.
Warning signs of a potential electric fire include electrical humming or buzzing, flickering lights, frequently blown fuses, and circuit breakers that trip often.
To prevent electric fires, do not overload your outlets and avoid using extension cords with heating units or air conditioners. Replace old or inconsistent appliances, and be careful with space heaters, ensuring they have a built-in safety mechanism and are not left on unattended.
