How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

The smell of burning plastic is usually the first sign. Wisps of smoke from an outlet or sparks in old appliances tell you a fire’s about to break out. Electrical fires are one of the top three factors in house fires, and they’re a sleeping menace.

Unlike more active methods like cooking or heating equipment, electrical fires pop up out of nowhere. Wiring you’ve never had a problem with might suddenly burn your house down! 

As with any structure fire, prevention is the number one defense. But knowing the right way to put it out might save your life if you're already dealing with a mini-inferno.  

Necessary knowledge when dealing with an electrical fire

Electricity makes our modern lives possible. However, along with the convenience comes a note of caution. Without inspection and regular maintenance, the systems in your home can break down and cause damage. Preventing electrical fires is doable; you’ve just got to know what to look for.

When a fire breaks out, it’s easy to reach for the first thing at hand to put it out. Electrical fires are a different breed and require special treatment.

Do not use water, at all

The most crucial ingredient in an electrical fire is also the main reason you can’t use water to put it out. Water conducts electricity. 

Throwing water on an electrical fire may cause the current to jump from the source of the fire to you. Water may also increase the potential for other flammable elements in the room to burst into flame as electricity travels through it.

Disconnect all electrical outlets when possible

When the fire breaks out, you may be able to identify the source. If you can do it safely, disconnect the power source to make putting out the fire less hazardous. Using a broom handle or other wooden device is best since it doesn’t conduct electricity.

If small, put the electrical fire out with baking soda

Just like grease fires, electrical fires react poorly to water. Instead, use baking soda to smother the flames. Sodium bicarbonate is ideal for putting out fires because it releases carbon dioxide when heated. Fire requires oxygen to burn, but the fire is extinguished when carbon dioxide displaces it.

Use a fire extinguisher if available

It’s always good to be prepared for anything, so if you’ve got a fire extinguisher, use it! Electrical failures cause Class C fires, so ensure your extinguisher is rated for them. Using the right extinguisher class protects you from conductive elements in the canister. 

Thick fabric like a heavy blanket can be useful to put out the electrical fire

Before you reach for your grandma’s quilt to smother a fire, take note. Whatever fabric you choose will be damaged beyond repair. It will, however, put out the fire. There are several options online for fire blankets especially designed for the purpose.

put out an electrical fire

In the worst cases, call 911

If you’re asleep when the fire starts or unable to deal with it safely, call 911. No need to be a hero when it comes to fire. That’s what firefighters are for!

How to avoid an electrical fire in the first place

As with any home disaster, prevention is the most effective way to stay safe. With electrical fires, there are plenty of common sense things you can do to protect your home. 

Don’t overload your outlets

Don’t pull a Clark Griswold and overload your outlets. Each outlet is rated to a specific load, and plugging too many devices into your home electrical system is dangerous. Smoke from an outlet or warm or hot cords are sure signs you’ve overloaded your outlet. 

We would not suggest use of plug strips or splitters unless completely necessary. These products do allow more outlets to plug additional items in, but this makes it easier to overload circuits.

Your home is wired so that you have several circuits that carry power. Too many devices can cause a short circuit, sparking, and fire. If you don’t have enough outlets in a room in your house, there are solutions! We’ll get into those below. 

If an appliance is not in use, unplug it for the time being

Nearly every appliance has a clock these days. Unplugging them between uses means having to reset the clocks every time. But that minor inconvenience might be the difference between a safe and dangerous situation. Some of these devices also use electricity when inactive, so a bonus is a lower power bill.

Contact a professional to inspect your home

Older homes are especially susceptible to electrical fires, so have a professional inspect your wiring. A licensed electrician can tell you if you’ve got any red flags that need handling before a fire can break out. They can also identify short circuits waiting to happen. 

They’ll also recommend where to place smoke detectors if there aren’t enough in your home. Make sure to test them at least once a year. 

Young Cardinal is here to make sure you never have to worry about electrical fires!

At Young Cardinal, we’re committed to your safety. We’re equipped to inspect your home, add outlets in spaces without enough, and address any issues we find. With years of experience, our family-run business is ready to help you, whatever the issue. 

Instead of waiting for an issue, we’d love to prevent rather than repair. Check out our website to book your inspection today! 

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What to Do When Your Outlet is Sparking