how to put out an electrical fire

If you are unsure whether a fire has been caused by live electricity or something else, err on the side of caution and don't use water. Having 2 escape routes allows you to fight the fire until it is out or until 1 of the escape routes is blocked by fire or debris. Remove the oxygen source. If the source is only sparking or the flame has not yet spread at all, this step alone may be enough to extinguish the flame. If it’s a small appliance on fire, unplug it from the outlet. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it. Small electrical fires can be put out by depriving them of their oxygen source. You and any family members need to leave as soon as you can to prevent injury or loss of life. But if you ever do make sure you know how to put it out. Yes, once you remove the electrical power, the remaining fire can be extinguished according to the type of fuel that is burning (e.g., wood, molten plastic). wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. A - AIM the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire. Use Baking Soda for Small Electrical Fires. 4) Put out the fire with steady sweeps from side to side looking out for flames pushed away from your target. It is better to stay safe and fight the fire with the power on than to risk getting burned or electrocuted trying to turn the power off. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Other types of extinguishers could create an electrocution hazard if used on an electrical fire because they contain liquids or chemicals that conduct electricity. Never use water on electrical fires unless you're certain the power is off. Do not use flammable items to smother an electrical fire, such as a blanket. Most home fire extinguishers are class ABC and are effective at putting out electrical fires. First, shut the door, then turn the power off at the mains, providing you can reach the socket safely. Electrical fires are a Class C fire, which means that you will need an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. Trying to put out These fires start most often in bedrooms and attics, and the most common ignitable material that starts the fire is the wire insulation itself, although framing members, wall insulati… By using our site, you agree to our. Do not use devices that show signs of fraying or wear.Â. To put out a fire, we recommend that you fill a bucket and quickly dump it over the fire to put it out. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Only use portable space heaters with a safety mechanism that shuts them off if they tip over. If an electrical system begins sparking or a fire ignites at a wire, appliance, or outlet, then cutting the power to the system is the first, best step to take. Sometimes, when it … Electrical fires are devastating, usually due to faulty sockets or malfunctioning appliances in overloaded extensions For that reason, Firescape has tips on how to put out an electrical fire. Approved. If you want to learn how to use a fire blanket to smother the fire, keep reading the article! DO NOT use water to put an electrical fire out! Even after you call you may be able to get it out yourself, but it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a fire. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it.Â. Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for the fixture or lamp. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. All rights reserved. Because it is so frequently used, most people tend to underestimate the risk potential and dangers that come with electrical fires.Â. interacts online and researches product purchases Also, water may enable to fire to spread by conducting electricity throughout the room and potentially igniting flammable materials. In general, firefighters will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you will be. If the fuel for the fire you are fighting is kerosene, oil, or another liquid fuel, be careful putting water on it. This will help keep the fire as contained as possible. Most residential fire extinguishers are multi-purpose and labeled ABC, but it is crucial to verify this before using it on an electrical fire.Â, Electrical fires result in almost 500 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries annually. Cut off the electricity. Contact an electrician if you smell anything burning or see smoke coming from an appliance, cord or the plug, or if you see an outlet that is discolored. So what do you do? Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. This means that you can easily shock yourself if you use water to try and put out an electrical fire. If it happens to be a small fire attempt to put it out by smothering it with baking soda. S - SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly. Common sources of ignition include arcing caused by power surges and frayed wire insulation that allows contact between flammable materials and hot electrical conductors. and suppliers. Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Pay attention if you notice any warning signs of electrical failure. To put out an electrical fire, you Many fire extinguishers made for home use are ABC extinguishers. The Fire Equipment Manufacturer's Association recommended using a water or foam fire extinguisher on Class A fires. Check out these top products and tips that will help you during a fire emergency. Baking Soda for a Small Electrical Fire If a small and contained fire breaks out – for example, if an extension cord begins to smolder -- you could successfully douse it with baking soda. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Which is best to put out an electrical fire––oxygen or carbon dioxide? Don't try to fight a large fire yourself. If the fire you are dealing with is small, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. You can smother a small fire with baking soda if you have that nearby. You can do this by putting clothing or a heavy blanket on it if it’s safe. Do NOT pour water over an electrical fire. Small electrical fires can be put out with baking soda. Do not overload the outlets. It may also be put out by removing the oxygen source with clothing or a heavy blanket if the fire is small and it is safe to do so. Use Baking Soda for Small Electrical Fires. Another example is when too many Christmas lights are plugged into each other, it can create enough heat to start a fire. In a situation where electricity is the source of a fire, it is best to contact a professional to fix the problem. This includes flickering lights, buzzing sounds from the electrical system, and circuit breakers that often trip or fuses that frequently blow. They can prevent between. They can also identify if the home would benefit from AFCI protection. Water is a natural conductor of electricity and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. Electrical fire is dangerous andthey should be handled in a precise way to put out the flames quickly and safely.www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney 3. The first thing to remember is that you need to stay calm. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. In this case, which happens mostly with heaters and other appliances that create heat, the heat generated by the unit is too much for the wires to handle. These devices recognize potential electrical hazards that are not detected by standard breakers and can be especially helpful in older homes. The breaker box is another option to turn off the power. If it’s a wire or receptacle, shut off the power at the panel. Don’t use anything like blankets, or similar, to smother the flames, as they’re much more likely to ignite themselves. If an electrical fire starts 1. Video: Dashcam captures close call at Pa. crash scene, Photos: 4 Colo. FFs hospitalized after engine tumbles down hillside, Video: 5 FDNY firefighters injured when engine crashes into Brooklyn store, Speeding car goes airborne, crashes into roof of Fla. fire station, Individual Access - Free COVID-19 Courses, one-third of all home structure fires stem, Open the tools menu in your browser. Knowing how to respond quickly could be the difference between a small fire and a devastating disaster. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. She earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began her career as a freelance writer, focusing on government and military issues. Add sodium bicarbonate. In addition to her regular editing duties, Engel seeks to tell the heroic, human stories of first responders and the importance of their work. If there’s an active electrical current, you can receive a fatal shock . In the case of a fire occurring in an electrical panel, do not try putting it out with water. Knowing how to put out an electrical fire effectively, including when to call in firefighters to do the job, could save not just your life, but also the life of your friends or family. Don’t use water to put it out. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,224 times. If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don't attempt it. Plus, an electrical fire in the home is often a more immediate danger than a wildfire and may lead to panic. If an electrical fire does break out, then it’s best to put it out with a carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguisher. Install child precautions when they are present to prevent accidental electrocution. Inspect electrical devices periodically to determine if there is wear or fraying of the wires. If you see an electrical fire, you should call emergency services right away. After unplugging the power source, put baking soda over the flames. If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can't be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. Again, it’s vital to avoid water in these situations. They should only be used temporarily. Water will conduct electricity, making the situation more If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browser’s Help menu, Join FirstConnect to see available grants & support, A community guide for preventing and extinguishing electrical fires, Winter typically means spending more time indoors and using more electricity – to heat our homes, power devices that keep us entertained and light up our houses indoors and out during the holidays.Â, But electricity is a hidden danger to the residents in your community. Remove the oxygen source. P - PULL the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Very small electrical fires can be smothered with baking soda. Copyright © 2020 Keeping a readily available baking soda could save you. 5. I was made, "It's an awesome site that helps you know how to do whatever you want.". I unplugged it and threw it in the tub, watered it until the fire went out. Close the door as you leave to contain the fire. FEMA defines an electrical fire as one caused by heat from electrical transformers, meter boxes, outlets, cords, light bulbs and anything else that conducts electricity. All rights reserved. Call 911 as soon as you are a safe distance from the fire.Â, Do not re-enter your home until the fire has been contained by firefighters.Â, Invite an electrician to inspect the home to ensure it meets the safety provisions in the NEC. Turn off power to the electrical system. Next, read about how to put out a grease fire.Â, This article, originally published on Dec. 12, 2017, has been updated. Lexipol. When a man sees unwanted and accidental fire, his priority is to put it out. Electrical fires can be put out by a Class C fire extinguisher. This should cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the fire. The water can pick up the fuel and move it to another area where it can then ignite and spread the fire. They are very dangerous.Â, While it is important to remember these steps in order to take appropriate action during an electrical fire, it’s equally, if not more, important to take action to prevent them from occurring in the first place.Â. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/portable_use.html, https://emilms.fema.gov/is909/assets/09_puttingoutfires.pdf, https://www.firerescue1.com/child-safety-education/articles/371959018-How-to-put-out-an-electrical-fire-in-five-steps/, http://blog.expertsinyourhome.com/electrical-safety-tips-how-to-put-out-an-electrical-fire, apagar los incendios causados por la electricidad, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Develop an evacuation plan for the home, with family members practicing it periodically to ensure preparedness in the event of an emergency. Never use extension cords with heating units or air conditions. My hair dryer caught on fire in my hand yesterday. If the fire began in an appliance or an overloaded cord, once you’ve unplugged the power source, toss baking soda over the flames. You can also use water to douse the fire, as it can remove the fire's heat supply. If you think you can fight the fire safely, begin by disconnecting the electricity, if possible, and smothering the flames. It contains a chemical called sodium bicarbonate – which believe it or not – is found in many class-C fire extinguishers. Add sodium bicarbonate. If the fire is small, you may put it out by smothering it with baking soda. 3. This may be called “Tools” or use an icon like the cog. That's right: baking soda, just like the kind you use in the kitchen. Youcannot even use water to douse the electrical flames. My fiance said that was not a good idea, but had no idea how to put out an electrical fire. Do not leave them on overnight or place them next to combustible materials. Power Tip: Ideally, you want to use a Class C fire extinguisher specially formulated for putting out electrical fires. % of people told us that this article helped them. Many electrical fires start at overloaded appliances. This includes installing smoke detectors in every room of the house and testing them monthly to ensure their batteries are working. Water on an electrified fire can create an electrocution hazard, in addition to the fire hazard. Lexipol. Copyright © 2020 If you are able to do just that, you can move onto the next step, which is removing the oxygen source. Electrical fires can pose a huge danger, but proper precautions and safe, appropriate reactions to combat the fire can help to minimize the risk of injury or death. With live electricity involved, flammable items you use could easily start burning. Hopfully you never have to encounter an electrical fire. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Put-Out-Electrical-Fires-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Out-Electrical-Fires-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Put-Out-Electrical-Fires-Step-1.jpg\/aid6158262-v4-728px-Put-Out-Electrical-Fires-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"