Trystan Casey
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous and it's important to know how to respond to them. The first step is to never use water to put out an electrical fire as water conducts electricity and you could be electrocuted. Instead, cut off the electricity supply by unplugging the device or turning off the circuit breaker. If the fire is small, you can try to smother it with baking soda, a fire blanket, or a non-flammable fabric. If the fire is larger, use a C-rated or ABC-rated fire extinguisher to put it out. If you are unable to put out the fire, leave the room, close the doors to contain the fire, and call the fire department immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do | Cut the power supply |
| Use a fire extinguisher | |
| Use baking soda/sodium bicarbonate | |
| Use a fire blanket | |
| Call the fire department | |
| What not to do | Do not throw water unless the power is off |
| Do not attempt to fight the fire if you feel unsafe |
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What You'll Learn
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 device causing the fire. Then, if you have a fire extinguisher, this is the time to use it.
Firstly, check that the fire extinguisher is appropriate for electrical fires. Electrical fires are classed as ''Class C', so your extinguisher must have a 'C' rating. If it is a 'Class C' or 'ABC' extinguisher, pull the safety pin on the handle, aim at the base of the fire, and squeeze the handle while sweeping the nozzle from left to right. This will quickly put out the fire and prevent any hazards. If you don't have a 'C' or 'ABC' rated extinguisher, do not use it—the fluid inside may conduct electricity, creating an electrocution hazard.
If you don't have a fire extinguisher, or if it is not rated for electrical fires, you can use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to smother the fire. Throwing or spreading baking soda on an electrical fire will release carbon dioxide, choking the fire and putting it out. If you don't have baking soda, you can use salt or dirt in the same way.
While fighting the fire, be mindful of your safety. If the fire is small and manageable, you can attempt to put it out. If it is spreading, or if you feel unsafe, evacuate the building and call the fire department. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
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Baking soda can be used to smother the fire
If you encounter an electrical fire, the best course of action is to evacuate the premises and call 911 or your local fire department. However, if the fire is small and manageable, you can attempt to put it out with baking soda.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective fire reduction method for small electrical fires. It can be used to smother the fire and cut off its oxygen supply, effectively extinguishing the flames. This method is safe and recommended because baking soda is not flammable, unlike other substances such as flour and baking powder.
To use baking soda to put out an electrical fire, follow these steps:
- Ensure your safety: If the fire is small and contained, you may attempt to put it out. However, if it has spread or you have any doubts, evacuate the premises immediately and call for professional help.
- Cut off the power: If possible, go to your breaker box and turn off the power to the affected area or the entire house. This will help prevent the fire from spreading and reduce the risk of electrical shocks.
- Gather baking soda: Locate a box of baking soda nearby and prepare to throw it directly onto the fire.
- Smother the fire: Aim the baking soda at the base of the fire and cover the flames completely. Use enough baking soda to deprive the fire of oxygen and stop it from burning.
- Call for help: Even if you successfully extinguish the fire, it is important to contact your local fire department or a licensed electrician to ensure the area is safe and address any potential underlying electrical issues.
Remember, baking soda is only effective for small electrical fires. For larger fires, your priority should be to evacuate and seek professional assistance. Additionally, always exercise caution when dealing with electrical fires to avoid serious injury or electrical shocks.
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Cut off the electricity supply
If you discover an electrical fire, the first thing to do is to cut off the electricity supply. This will not only reduce the risk of the fire spreading but will also reduce the risk of electrical shocks.
If the device causing the fire is plugged into a power source, you should unplug it if you can do so safely. If the fire is in a fixed appliance attached to the wall, floor, or ceiling, you should call the fire department, as the fire may be spreading inside your building where you can't see it.
If you can safely reach your breaker box, you should flip the breaker for the room where the fire is located. If you can't reach the breaker box, or if you're unsure whether you've cut the power, do not attempt to put the fire out with water.
If you have fire extinguishers on your property, this is the time to use them. A fire extinguisher is the best way to put out an electrical fire. Make sure you use a C-rated (or ABC-rated) fire extinguisher, as other types of extinguishers may conduct electricity and create a hazard. Aim the spray at the base of the fire to put it out as quickly as possible.
If you don't have a fire extinguisher, small electrical fires can be dealt with by throwing baking soda directly onto the fire. Sodium bicarbonate, one of the chemicals found in baking soda, is also present in class C fire extinguishers, so keeping some in your kitchen could be a lifesaver. Fire blankets can also be used to smother small electrical fires. If you don't have a fire blanket, you can use dense, non-flammable fabric or clothing to remove the oxygen source from the fire.
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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 are unsure about your ability to put out the fire or if it has spread, call the fire department immediately.
If the electrical fire is in an appliance attached to a wall, ceiling, or floor, call the fire department as the fire may be burning or smouldering inside the building where you can't see it.
If you are unable to put the fire out, leave the room, close the door, and then leave the house. Make sure to close the house door to help keep the fire contained. Once you are safe and away from the fire, call the fire department. Do not re-enter your home until the firefighters have told you it is safe to do so.
Even if you think you have successfully put out an electrical fire, it is still recommended that you call the fire department to come and inspect your property. They will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you are.
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Do not use water
Water is a natural conductor of electricity, so throwing water on an electrical fire will only make the situation worse. If you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted.
If you are certain that the power is off, you can use water to put out an electrical fire. The first step should be to cut off the electricity by going to your breaker box and flipping the breaker for that room. If you cannot turn off the electricity and the area that is on fire is still energized, do not pour water on the flames.
If you have a fire extinguisher, this is the best way to put out an electrical fire. Fire extinguishers for residential use are generally multi-purpose and labelled ABC fire extinguishers. However, you must verify that it is indeed rated for electrical fires. If your fire extinguisher doesn’t have the Class C or ABC marking, the fluid inside may act as water would, and you could be electrocuted.
If you don't have a fire extinguisher, small electrical fires can be dealt with by throwing baking soda directly onto the fire. Sodium bicarbonate, one of the chemicals found in baking soda, is also present in class C fire extinguishers.
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