how to put out an electrical fire

Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading beyond the appliance. Engel lives in Wichita, Kansas. Pay attention if you notice any warning signs of electrical failure. You and any family members need to leave as soon as you can to prevent injury or loss of life. Don’t use anything like blankets, or similar, to smother the flames, as they’re much more likely to ignite themselves. Call emergency services. 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? Remove the oxygen source. Approved. 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. They can also identify if the home would benefit from AFCI protection. The best flame retardant during an electrical fire is baking soda. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. When you have an oven element on fire, the safest way to put the kitchen fire out is with a fire extinguisher. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Electrical fires are a Class C fire, which means that you will need an extinguisher that is appropriate for this type of fire. If additional circuits are necessary, consult with an electrician. Once you see a small fire start, throw baking soda on the flames. 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. 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. If you want to learn how to use a fire blanket to smother the fire, keep reading the article! Another example is when too many Christmas lights are plugged into each other, it can create enough heat to start a fire. A - AIM the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. 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. If the fire you are dealing with is small, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Once 1 of the 2 is blocked, it is time to evacuate. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Do not use devices that show signs of fraying or wear.Â. Add sodium bicarbonate. If the fire is small, you may put it out by smothering it with baking soda. So what do you do? interacts online and researches product purchases Dousing an electrical fire with water may cause you to be electrocuted and may even cause the fire to spread by allowing the electricity to be conducted to more of your kitchen’s flammable surfaces. 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. Only use portable space heaters with a safety mechanism that shuts them off if they tip over. 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. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it. Trying to put out Consider calling emergency services before putting out the fire, just in case it gets out of hand. Do not overload the outlets. To put out an electrical fire, unplug the appliance or shut off the power to disconnect the electricity. In fact, one-third of all home structure fires stem from an electrical source, and because they tend to be difficult to identify, they are usually much more dangerous and destructive than other types of fires. If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can't be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. Install child precautions when they are present to prevent accidental electrocution. 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. If it’s a small appliance on fire, unplug it from the outlet. Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage for the fixture or lamp. Lexipol. Copyright © 2020 Water conducts electricity, so in the event that you throw water onto the flames, you are in danger of being severely burned. Plus, an electrical fire in the home is often a more immediate danger than a wildfire and may lead to panic. 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. Youcannot even use water to douse the electrical flames. Small electrical fires can be put out by depriving them of their oxygen source. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Because it is so frequently used, most people tend to underestimate the risk potential and dangers that come with electrical fires.Â. The water can pick up the fuel and move it to another area where it can then ignite and spread the fire. Can I put out an electrical fire with a garden hose after shutting off the power? All rights reserved. S - SWEEP from left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire. 4. Knowing how to respond quickly could be the difference between a small fire and a devastating disaster. Enter “https://www.firerescue1.com/” and click OK. GET OUT. This includes installing smoke detectors in every room of the house and testing them monthly to ensure their batteries are working. All rights reserved. Cut off power in the affected area. Hopfully you never have to encounter an electrical fire. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If the fire began in an appliance or an overloaded cord, once you’ve unplugged the power source, toss baking soda over the flames. Water on an electrified fire can create an electrocution hazard, in addition to the fire hazard. 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. Most home fire extinguishers are class ABC and are effective at putting out electrical fires. Water should not be used to exterminate these fires. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it. 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. They can prevent between. Fire blankets stifle the oxygen a fire needs to burn, putting it out entirely if it’s small enough. Last Updated: April 11, 2020 Cut off the electricity. Copyright © 2020 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. A window that is many stories above the ground would not be a great escape route, while a first-floor window would. These devices recognize potential electrical hazards that are not detected by standard breakers and can be especially helpful in older homes. Water will conduct electricity, making the situation more Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. How to put out a grease fire Common causes of electrical fires When working with members of your community on fire and life safety, it is important to teach the common causes of electrical … Cut off the electricity. Side Note: Water can be very dangerous. 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). In the case of a fire occurring in an electrical panel, do not try putting it out with water. 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. Do not leave them on overnight or place them next to combustible materials. You can do this by putting clothing or a heavy blanket on it if it’s safe. How to put out an electrical panel fire There are several classes of fires, and electrical fires fall under the Class C category. Escape routes typically include doors and windows that you can easily pass through to the outside. 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. Tell the person you talk to that you are dealing with an electrical fire, so that the firefighters know what they are getting into. If the fuel for the fire you are fighting is kerosene, oil, or another liquid fuel, be careful putting water on it. Do NOT pour water over an electrical fire. 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. This article has been viewed 87,224 times. If you see an electrical fire, you should call emergency services right away. Never use extension cords with heating units or air conditions. In general, firefighters will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you will be. 2. Check out these top products and tips that will help you during a fire emergency. 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. To put out a fire, we recommend that you fill a bucket and quickly dump it over the fire to put it out. 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. With live electricity involved, flammable items you use could easily start burning. To put out an electrical fire, first call 9-1-1, turn off the entire circuit breaker for the whole house, and use a class C fire extinguisher to put out the flames. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community 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. Copyright © 2020 FireRescue1. Remove the oxygen source. The easiest and safest way to handle any fire is by using a class C or ABC fire extinguisher. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Don’t use water to put it out. Many fire extinguishers made for home use are ABC extinguishers. P - PULL the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher. Plus, an electrical fire in the home is often a more immediate danger than a wildfire and may lead to panic. She can be reached via email. They contain the chemical compound called sodium bicarbonate, which is also be found in Class C fire extinguishers. Never use water on electrical fires unless you're certain the power is off. You can smother a small fire with baking soda if you have that nearby. Baking soda contains the chemical compound sodium bicarbonate, which is also in Class C fire extinguishers. Next, read about how to put out a grease fire.Â, This article, originally published on Dec. 12, 2017, has been updated. 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. 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. Develop an evacuation plan for the home, with family members practicing it periodically to ensure preparedness in the event of an emergency. Even if a fire is small, calling the fire department will ensure that if the fire grows, you will have help on the way. But if you ever do make sure you know how to put it out. S - SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly. Don’t put out fires with water In spite of the fact that it might be your first thought, never use water on any electrical fire if your electricity is still on. When a man sees unwanted and accidental fire, his priority is to put it out. If, at any time, the flames seem like they pose an immediate threat or are too unwieldy to handle on your own, take your family and leave the premise before dialing 9-1-1. Inspect electrical devices periodically to determine if there is wear or fraying of the wires. In a situation where electricity is the source of a fire, it is best to contact a professional to fix the problem. In addition to her regular editing duties, Engel seeks to tell the heroic, human stories of first responders and the importance of their work. This may be called “Tools” or use an icon like the cog. Engel joined Lexipol in 2015 and has since reported on issues related to public safety. Then, follow these steps to put out an electrical fire at home. Use Baking Soda for Small Electrical Fires. References Check your fire extinguisher. If an electrical fire starts 1. 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 it’s a wire or receptacle, shut off the power at the panel. Water is a natural conductor of electricity and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. I unplugged it and threw it in the tub, watered it until the fire went out. I was made, "It's an awesome site that helps you know how to do whatever you want.". This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. After unplugging the power source, put baking soda over the flames. The breaker box is another option to turn off the power. In addition to these tips, it is also imperative to practice good fire safety habits. Power Tip: Ideally, you want to use a Class C fire extinguisher specially formulated for putting out electrical fires. If you think you can fight the fire safely, begin by disconnecting the electricity, if possible, and smothering the flames. Close doors behind you as you leave. wikiHow's. A fire blanket is a great option if you don’t have a fire extinguisher. If the fire is large, evacuate immediately, shut off the power if possible, and call your local emergency services. An electrical fire can be caused in three different ways, and the first is arcing. If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don't attempt it. Use the proper fire extinguisher to fight fires involving energized electrical equipment. 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. Common sources of ignition include arcing caused by power surges and frayed wire insulation that allows contact between flammable materials and hot electrical conductors. Use a class C or ABC fire extinguisher on larger fires by pulling the safety pin on the handle, aiming, and squeezing the handle while sweeping the nozzle from left to right. My fiance said that was not a good idea, but had no idea how to put out an electrical fire. how to do it and what is taken or removed from the fire heat, oxygen or fuel Daring thieves take consoles from moving delivery trucks Co2 is used in fire extinguishers, it actually removes two of the elements fire needs to make fire. This is probably the worst thing you could possibly do because water conducts electricity. Water is a natural conductor of electricity. It contains a chemical called sodium bicarbonate – which believe it or not – is found in many class-C fire extinguishers. If a fire is developing and you cannot get the electricity turned off or it is growing rapidly, call the fire department. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 4) Put out the fire with steady sweeps from side to side looking out for flames pushed away from your target. 3. You can also use water to douse the fire, as it can remove the fire's heat supply. Baking soda is your friend. Never use water to put out the fire. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Use Baking Soda for Small Electrical Fires. Select the option or tab named “Internet Options (Internet Explorer)”, “Options (Firefox)”, “Preferences (Safari)” or “Settings (Chrome)”. Small electrical fires can be put out with baking soda. Do not use flammable items to smother an electrical fire, such as a blanket. Learn more... Electrical fires can happen at any time and can be caused by a wide range of problems, including faulty wiring or overloaded appliances. Whatever you can do safely to remove the electricity from the situation, do it. If an electrical fire does break out, then it’s best to put it out with a carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguisher. Unplug or power off any device causing the fire, if it is safe to do so. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it.Â. That's right: baking soda, just like the kind you use in the kitchen. Power On or Off? Electrical fires are especially dangerous because your first instinct - to reach for a bucket of water to douse the flames - will actually cause the flames to spread, since water conducts electricity. This should cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the fire. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like oil, alcohol, or gasoline. % of people told us that this article helped them. Very small electrical fires can be smothered with baking soda. 5. First, shut the door, then turn the power off at the mains, providing you can reach the socket safely. The Fire Equipment Manufacturer's Association recommended using a water or foam fire extinguisher on Class A fires. My hair dryer caught on fire in my hand yesterday. Close the door as you leave to contain the fire. Read on to learn more! Then, follow these steps to put out an electrical fire at home. If you want to learn how to use a fire blanket to smother the fire, keep reading the article! What else could you use besides a fire extinguisher or blanket? But not just any fire extinguisher: it must be rated B or K for grease fires and C for electrical … If you are able to do just that, you can move onto the next step, which is removing the oxygen source. The first thing to remember is that you need to stay calm. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,224 times. Cut off the electricity. How to Put Out an Electrical Fire Once the Power Is Off Once you’ve disconnected the electricity in your house, you have more options to fight the flames. Sixty-five percent of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. Do not try to be a hero. All rights reserved. Electrical fires can be put out by a Class C fire extinguisher. By using our site, you agree to our. 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… Add sodium bicarbonate. Sometimes, when it … They should only be used temporarily. and suppliers. 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