How to Put Out an Electrical Fire + 5 Common Causes

Electrical fires in the home are bad news and can quickly get out of hand. If you don’t deal with it in the right way, they can cause serious property damage and even become fatal.

Knowing how to put out an electrical fire safely can be the difference between a contained fire and a disaster.

Many factors can lead to an electric fire, from faulty wiring to malfunctioning appliances, so it pays for every homeowner to understand the risks and what to do about them.

Protecting your home and family starts with the right knowledge and preparation for these unexpected events. Here’s what you need to do.

How to Safely Extinguish an Electrical Fire

An electrical fire can be scary, but it’s important that you stay calm and know what to do in order to respond safely. Follow these steps when an electrical fire breaks out:

• If – and only if – it’s safe to do so, turn off the power at the switchboard to cut the electricity supply to your home.
• Use an appropriate fire extinguisher (ABE or Class C fire extinguishers – never use water on an electrical fire) to put out the flames.
• For small electrical fires, if you don’t have a fire extinguisher, sprinkle baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to put out the fire.
• DO NOT throw water on an electrical fire; water conducts electricity and will electrocute you.
• Use a fire blanket to smother flames as a last resort option.

When it comes to electrical fires, always make electrical safety your first and foremost priority and call emergency services for larger fires. The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service recommends only attempting to put out a fire yourself with a fire extinguisher if it’s no larger than a wastepaper basket.

For anything larger or takes longer than 30 seconds to extinguish, evacuate the house and call 000.

5 Common Causes of Electrical Fires

One of the key factors in knowing how to put out an electrical fire is identifying the root cause of the fire in the first place. Here are 5 of the most common culprits.

1. Frayed or Damaged Electrical Wires

Damaged electrical wires and cords are among the most common reasons why electrical fires happen.

Frequent use over time can leave your cords and electrical wiring vulnerable to wear and tear that exposes the inner wiring. This provides an opportunity for sparks to form and ignite surrounding materials.

Older homes are more prone to this as their electrical systems and insulation deteriorate with the passing of time. Pets chewing on cords and improper use of extension leads can also damage them.

These exposed wires can electrocute you, overheat and eventually catch fire. It’s well worth regularly inspecting all electrical wires and cords for signs of fraying or wear. Replace frayed cords and consider rewiring your home when it comes necessary to prevent electrical failures that can spark a house fire.

2. Overloaded Circuits and Extension Cords

Plugging too many devices into a single power point, or using extension cords in the wrong way can cause overloaded circuits that lead to an electrical fire.

Sure, an extension cord is highly convenient in many situations. However, if you use them as a permanent solution or in an unsafe or incorrect manner, they can become highly dangerous. Always check the wattage of appliances before plugging them in and don’t overload circuits with high powered devices like space heaters or air conditioners.

Use surge protectors and make sure your circuit breakers are in good condition to prevent these types of fires.

3. Faulty Electrical Devices and Appliances

Got any old or faulty electrical appliances in your home? They’re a bonafide fire risk, particularly if they malfunction or have worn-out parts.

Poorly maintained common household appliances like toasters, ovens and even older heating units can overheat or produce electrical sparks. Electrical components inside these appliances can gradually deteriorate and create short circuits that can catch fire.

Inspect these appliances regularly and replace them when needed. Unplug devices when you’re not using them, and check for warning signs like smoke or burning smell to prevent an appliance from causing an electrical fire.

4. Portable Space Heaters and Heating Units

We all know that space heaters are great for comfort. Unfortunately, they can also cause small fires when they’re not used correctly.

Setting up your heater too close to combustible materials like curtains, paper or bedding is a one-way ticket to an electric fire.

Space heaters can also overheat if you use them too long or leave them unattended. Cheaper heaters without safety features like automatic shut-off increase the risk of fire hazards.

Make sure you choose a heater that matches the recommended wattage for your room and has safety certifications. Place them on a flat surface and away from flammable items to prevent avoidable fires.

5. Improper Use of Extension Cords

Extension cords are a convenient tool for powering everything from small devices to major appliances. However, improper use can lead to devastating fires.

Many of us are guilty of plugging in too many appliances into one cord, or we use extension cords as a permanent solution.

This leads to circuit overload which can cause wires to overheat and potentially ignite. Extension cords under rugs or furniture are even more risky as they can fray unnoticed and spark a fire.

For maximum safety, use extension cords only as a temporary solution. Make sure they’re in good condition and don’t exceed their power rating. For long-term electrical needs have an experienced electrician install additional power points throughout your home.

Signs of Potential Electrical Hazards

To avoid electrical fires and keep you and your home safe, keep your senses primed for these warning signs:

• Flickering lights: These can suggest possible loose wiring or electrical overload.
• Buzzing sounds: Powerpoints or switches that buzz when in use typically point to faulty wiring.
• Warm or hot powerpoints: A powerpoint that warms up when in use means there’s an underlying problem with electrical components.
• Burning smell or smoke: This is a serious red flag; switch off power and call a licensed electrician ASAP.
• Circuit breakers tripping frequently: Tripping points to overloaded circuits or electrical failure in your electrical system.

Keep your eyes and ears out for these signs and act fast to prevent a fire from igniting. Always err on the side of caution and call a licensed electrician for repairs.

Preventing Electrical Fires in Your Home

Preventing electrical fires in your home starts with good safety practices and regular checks.

Make sure all electrical wiring is up to code. Install safety switches and smoke detectors to alert you to potential hazards early.

Use appliances according to their recommended wattage and don’t overload circuits with multiple high-power devices. Invest in AFCI protection to detect and shut off abnormal electrical currents before they become a problem.

Replace frayed cords or damaged extension leads immediately and never use them as a permanent solution. And make sure to always test your fire extinguishers, should worst come to worst.

Stay Safe Against Electrical Fires

Yes, they can be scary, but being prepared and knowing how to prevent electrical fires will keep your home and loved ones safe.

Be vigilant and follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of an electrical fire and protect your home from damage and harm.

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