The Facts About Electrical Fires

Electrical fires in homes are a serious and preventable hazard. According to NSW Fire and Rescue, they account for up to 40% of residential fires each year.

Understanding how electrical fires happen, how to prevent them, and what to do if electrical systems or equipment catch fire in your home is crucial for ensuring the safety of yourself and your family.

We’re here today to provide valuable information and advice about electrical fire safety, focusing on common causes, prevention tips, and what to do in case of an electrical fire. By educating yourself and staying informed you can take proactive steps to protect your home and loved ones from the devastating consequences of an electrical fire.

Common Causes of Electrical Fires

Most electrical fires in the home are the result of one of the following potential causes. They can include:

• Aged or outdated wiring
• Ageing or faulty powerpoints
• Damaged power cords
• Overloaded power boards
• Faulty electrical appliances
• Misuse of electrical equipment

Let’s look at some of these potential electrical hazards in closer detail.

Outdated or Faulty Wiring

The condition of the electrical wiring running throughout your home plays a key role in maintaining your safety. Outdated wiring is a major cause of electrical fire, as older homes weren’t built to handle the demands of modern appliances. Consider how many electrical devices we use daily in 2024 compared to 40 years ago, or even 20 years ago.

How Do I Know My Wiring Might Be The Problem?

Degraded or unprotected old wiring is more likely to catch fire, with insulation breaking down and leaving electrical wires dangerously exposed. Warning signs include:

• frequently tripping circuit breakers
• flickering lights, and
• burnt or discoloured powerpoints and cords

If you notice a persistent burning smell, it could mean an electrical fire is imminent, especially if combustible materials are nearby. Immediate action with the aid of a qualified electrician is essential.

Damaged Extension Cords and Overloaded Power Boards

One of the biggest electrical faults that can become a major fire hazard is damaged extension cords. In rooms with regular foot traffic, they get regularly trodden on or leave wiring exposed at the plug and become dangerous to use. One of the best ways to prevent a fire is to avoid using electrical cords in poor condition.

Meanwhile, piggybacking adaptors and power boards is a big no-no. The electrical circuit could easily become overloaded in a system not designed to handle multiple electrical appliances.

Faulty Powerpoints

Loose and very old power points can often become a serious electrical system problem too. Regular plugging and unplugging of appliances or chargers into worn-out sockets pose a serious threat to you and your home. Especially if they’ve not been properly grounded. Meanwhile, loose wiring could easily break off and trigger a fire. With large volumes of power concentrated in one place, powerpoints must always be maintained and replaced if damaged.

Lighting Fixtures

Even something as simple as a light bulb can cause trouble. Light fixtures are designed to take a maximum recommended bulb wattage and if you put in a light bulb that draws more power than it is rated for, there is the possibility of overheating and electrical fire. You can also have problems with old light switches that have been knocked around and become loose with damaged wiring.

Misuse of Electrical Equipment

Misusing electrical equipment can easily lead to an electrical fire, often without you even realising the danger. For instance, plugging too many devices into a single power board can cause overheating, which could spark a fire. Portable space heaters are particularly risky if they’re placed too close to curtains or furniture. When we don’t use electrical equipment properly, electrical fires result, so it’s important to be mindful and follow safety precautions.

How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

Electrical fires are categorised as class E fires which refers to fires that involve energised electrical equipment such as:

• electrical appliances
• circuit breakers
• power boards
• electrical wires

As we know, electricity and water do not mix, so you should never use water to put out an electrical fire. Here are some much safer and more effective alternatives.

Grab The Fire Extinguisher (But The Right One!)

The obvious go-to tool for putting out any fire is a fire extinguisher. But it needs to be the right type. As we just mentioned, water conducts electricity, making the combination of the two a dangerous mix. Therefore, you need a dry chemical fire extinguisher with a white band. This type of fire extinguisher typically contains sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) which is a non-conductive substance. It works by disrupting the chemical reaction of the fire and creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen. The effect? It smothers the flames and puts out the fire.

You may see numerous websites suggest sprinkling baking soda as a way to extinguish electrical fires. It’s not always a practical option, however. It may be suitable if your kitchen toaster happens to catch fire, but for anything bigger than that, Class E fire extinguishers are by far the most effective option.

Smother With A Fire Blanket

For small electrical fires, especially those contained to a single appliance or device, smothering it with a fire blanket can be highly effective.

Made with fire-resistant materials, throwing a fire blanket over a fire smothers the flames and cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply. This stops the fire from spreading. Importantly, unlike water, you can use a fire blanket safely on an electrical fire without the risk of electric shock.

No matter what the appliance, acting quickly with a fire blanket can prevent electrical fires from escalating and causing more damage.

Preventing Electrical Fires

Like many areas of life, when it comes to electrical fires, prevention is always better than cure.

Knowing how to prevent electrical fires is all about taking simple, practical steps to maintain maximum safety. We recommend following these tips:

• Avoid overloading circuits by not plugging in too many appliances into one power board.
• Always check for frayed or damaged cords and replace them immediately to avoid sparks.
• Use electrical devices as intended, and never exceed the recommended wattage for light bulbs or other appliances.
• Regularly inspect power outlets, light switches, and extension cords for signs of wear or damage.
• If you notice any flickering lights or persistent burning smells, contact a qualified electrician straight away.

By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fire and keep your home safe.

Why You Should Always Hire a Qualified Electrician

When it comes to fixing major electrical faults in the home that could lead to a potential fire, you will need to book a qualified emergency electrician. Not only does it reduce the risk of serious accident, it’s also a legal requirement.

Hiring a licensed electrician is essential for ensuring the electrical safety and reliability of your home. A licensed electrician has the expertise to properly install, maintain, and repair electrical components. They can address any problems with exposed wires or replace a faulty safety switch to guarantee that everything meets current safety standards.

Protect your home and family by always relying on a qualified electrician for any electrical work.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.