Trystan Casey
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and devastating, causing significant damage and posing a serious risk to people and property. It is important to know how to respond to an electrical fire to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage. While most people's first reaction to a fire is to throw water on it, this is not advisable for electrical fires as water conducts electricity, increasing the risk of electrocution and allowing the fire to spread more rapidly. So, what should you do if you encounter an electrical fire?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to throw | Baking soda, dirt, salt, or a fire blanket |
| What not to throw | Water |
| When to call the fire department | If you are unable to put out the fire, if there is smoke, or if there is a strange odour |
| How to prevent an electrical fire | Regularly inspect and maintain electrical appliances, use power points and extension cords correctly, avoid overloading power points, and ensure your home's electrical system complies with safety standards |
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What You'll Learn
Don't use water
Water is a conductor of electricity, and if you throw it on an electrical fire, it can cause the fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room. This is especially true if there are flammable materials, such as curtains or a fabric couch, in the room. In addition, if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can be electrocuted.
Water evaporates at a relatively low temperature of 100 degrees C (212 degrees F) and will almost instantly boil away. As water boils and bubbles, it can cause the burning material to be thrown around, expanding the surface area where air and oil meet, and the fire can get significantly larger.
While water can help cool down hot electrical equipment, it is not very effective and can lead to a worse situation with the electricity. It is important to remember that water and electricity do not mix, and using water on an electrical fire can be extremely dangerous.
If you are facing an electrical fire, it is important to act quickly but carefully. If the fire is small, you can smother it with baking soda. Cut the power by going to your breaker box and flipping the breaker for that room, or turn off the circuit breaker or fuse box's main switch. Then, call the fire department or emergency services and let them know you have an electrical emergency.
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Use a fire extinguisher
If you have a fire extinguisher handy, it is the best way to put out an electrical fire. However, not all fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires, so it is important to choose the right type. Water extinguishers, for example, are not suitable for electrical fires because water conducts electricity, and you could be electrocuted.
Water mist extinguishers, on the other hand, are suitable for use on electrical fires on equipment up to 1,000 Volts, such as computers and printers. They work by cooling the fire and reducing the oxygen supply. These extinguishers are likely to be safe and effective on electrical fires, leaving no residue or collateral damage.
Foam fire extinguishers can also be used on some electrical fires if they have been tested and are fired from 1 metre away. They smother the fire in solids and liquids but leave a residue that needs to be cleaned up.
Class C fire extinguishers are the recommended extinguishers for electrical fires. They contain sodium bicarbonate, which smothers the fire.
If you are using a fire extinguisher to put out an electrical fire, it is important to remember to cut the power source first if you can. This could mean unplugging machinery or appliances or using the fuse box to disable the electrical current.
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Baking soda works
If you encounter an electrical fire, it is important to stay calm and take immediate action. Firstly, never throw water on an electrical fire as water conducts electricity, which could lead to electrocution. Instead, if you have a fire extinguisher, use it to put out the fire effectively.
Now, baking soda works effectively in extinguishing electrical fires. It is a common household item that can be used in case you do not have a fire extinguisher readily available. When faced with a small electrical fire, cut off the power source immediately. Go to your breaker box and turn off the circuit breaker or the fuse box's main switch. This step is crucial to prevent the fire from spreading further. Once the power is cut off, grab some baking soda and throw it directly at the fire. Baking soda is a dry chemical agent that can effectively smother the flames and starve the fire of oxygen, preventing its spread and eventually extinguishing it. The baking soda will disrupt the chemical reaction of the fire, thus putting it out.
Additionally, baking soda is a safe and non-conductive substance, making it ideal for electrical fires. Unlike water, it will not conduct electricity and cause further danger. It is important to have a fire action plan and know where your baking soda is stored. In the event of a fire, every second counts, and having a quick response can make all the difference.
Remember, while baking soda is effective for small electrical fires, if the fire is large or out of control, do not hesitate to evacuate the area immediately and call for emergency services. Your safety is the top priority. Always have a fire escape plan in place and ensure your home is equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to handle any potential electrical fires.
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Disconnect power
If you encounter an electrical fire, your first priority should be to get yourself and any other people in the building to safety. If the fire is small and you believe you can extinguish it, you should attempt to cut off the power source.
If the fire is caused by an appliance, you should unplug it from the power source. If the plug is out of reach, you should go to your breaker box and cut the power to that room, or to your entire home if necessary. If the fire has spread to a plug, switch, or circuit, you should turn off the main switch at the switchboard.
Cutting the power will not only reduce the risk of the fire spreading, but it will also reduce the risk of electrical shocks. Once you have disconnected the power, you may be able to use water to extinguish the fire. However, water is a conductor of electricity, so you may still be at risk of electrocution.
If you are unable to cut the power, you should not attempt to extinguish the fire with water.
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Call the fire department
If you discover an electrical fire, your first priority should be to evacuate the building and call the fire department. Do not try to be a hero. As you leave, close the door to the room the fire is in, as well as the main door to help contain the fire. Once you are a safe distance away from the fire, call 911 and inform them that you have an electrical emergency. Do not re-enter your home until firefighters have told you it is safe to do so.
It is important to have an evacuation plan in place for your home, with family members practicing it periodically to ensure preparedness in the event of an emergency. Install smoke detectors in every room of the house and test them monthly to ensure their batteries are working. According to the NFPA, "when working smoke alarms are present in your home, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut by 60%."
If you are unable to extinguish the fire, do not hesitate to call the fire department. It is always better to be safe than sorry. They have the training and equipment to handle electrical fires safely and effectively.
If you are unsure about the extent of the fire or feel unsafe at any point, err on the side of caution and call the fire department. They are there to help and will be able to provide guidance and assistance. Remember, your safety is the top priority.
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Frequently asked questions
If there is an electrical fire, first turn off the electricity at the source. If it is a large fire, evacuate the building and call 911 or your local fire department. If it is a small fire, you can try to put it out using a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a fire blanket.
You should never throw water on an electrical fire, as water conducts electricity and can make the fire worse. Instead, you can use baking soda to smother the fire.
Electrical fires are classified as Class C fires, so you should use a fire extinguisher rated C or ABC.
