Our guide on how to put out an electrical fire

When it comes to electrical fires, swift and decisive action can make all the difference between a minor incident and a major catastrophe. Electrical fires are among the most common types of domestic fires, with over 20,000 happening in UK homes every year according to Electrical Safety First.

Knowing how to put out an electrical fire is paramount to protecting lives, property, and assets. In this blog, we will delve into how to put out an electrical fire safely and effectively. From learning the most common causes to preventing electrical fires, this guide will empower you to safeguard you and your property from the devastating effects of an electrical fire.

What causes an electrical fire?

Electrical fires can be caused by a variety of factors, making it crucial to understand the potential risks. Electrical Safety First states that 89% of electrical fires are caused by electrical products, with the remaining 11% being as a result of the misuse of or faulty electrical installations, such as wiring, fuseboxes, and lighting circuits.

Some of the most common products that cause electrical fires include:

• Cooking appliances such as cookers and microwaves
• Laundry appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers
• Electrical lighting
• Portable heaters
• TVs

Regardless of what causes an electrical fire, you should never attempt to put out a fire unless it’s completely safe to do so. If you’re ever in doubt, call your local fire service as soon as an electrical fire is identified.

How to put out an electrical fire

If you’re ever faced with an electrical fire, it can be very easy to go into a state of panic. However, it’s crucial to remain calm and act swiftly to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. To put out an electrical fire, there are two key actions you should take:

Cut off the electricity supply

Only if it is safe to do so, cutting off the electricity supply will prevent the fire from escalating. You should locate the main circuit breaker and switch it off immediately. By cutting off the power source, you can help to contain the fire and minimise the risk of the fire re-igniting once it’s been extinguished, reducing any further damage to your property and protecting yourself and others from harm.

Cut off the oxygen

Any fire needs oxygen to survive, and cutting off the oxygen can help to contain the flames. One of the most safest and effective ways to do this is to use a flame-resistant fire blanket. However it’s important to note, as you need to be quite close to accurately throw the flame-resistant blanket over the flames, you should only do this on a relatively small fire. If a large fire occurs, you should call your local fire service immediately and let professionally trained firefighters extinguish the fire.

How not to put out an electrical fire

Now you have an understanding on how to put out an electrical fire, it’s just as important to understand how not to put out an electrical fire. The most important thing to remember when tackling an electrical fire is that you should never use water.

One of the main reasons for this is because the fire will spread. As water conducts electricity, the discharge of water or a water-based fire extinguisher would conduct the electrical current to other areas of the room, resulting in the potential of further fires breaking out.

There’s also the risk of electrocution if you use water to extinguish an electrical fire. The combination of standing water and an electrical fire has the potential for the electrical current being transmitted to the person tackling the fire, meaning a subsequent risk of electrocution.

What fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires?

With any type of fire, a fire extinguisher is usually the best means of tackling it, but it’s very important to know which type to use for a specific type of fire. Fire extinguishers are categorised as to which type of fire they can be used on, and when it comes to electrical fires, a carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is best suited.

A CO2 fire extinguisher can be readily identified by their black label. They won’t contaminate nearby electrical equipment and once released, the downtime will be kept to a minimum – so long as the fire has been successfully extinguished – because CO2 quickly dissipates. As they work to displace oxygen, it’s also important to be very careful when using it in a confined area. 

Dry powder extinguishers can also be used on electrical fires up to 1000v. However, it’s not recommended for use indoors as they reduce visibility and can irritate your eyes and airways when dispersed. They also tend to leave a residue on surfaces, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings as they may damage equipment.

When using any fire extinguisher to tackle a fire, it’s important to only do so if you have received accredited fire safety training. With proper training, you will learn what type of fire extinguisher to use for certain fires and how to correctly use the equipment.

How to prevent electrical fires

Preventing an electrical fire in the first place is crucial to ensure the safety of lives, property, and assets. There are a number of proactive measures you can take to help minimise the risk of electrical fires such as:

• Regularly inspecting your electrical outlets for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed wires or damaged switches
• Ensuring your electrical appliances are in good working condition and replace if they’re not
• Avoiding using damaged cords or plugs
• Keeping flammable materials and chemicals away from electrical equipment
• Don’t overload circuits by plugging too many devices into one outlet
• Getting into the habit of unplugging devices when not in use to reduce the likelihood of overheating
• Considering investing in surge protectors to safeguard your electronics from power surges

Taking these simple yet effective precautions can go a long way in safeguarding your property and significantly reducing the risk of an electrical fire occurring. 

Need more advice on electrical fires?

We hope our guide on how to put out an electrical fire has given you a better understanding on what should be done in the event of an electrical fire occurring. If you’d like more expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team today who are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Here at Hoyles Fire & Safety, we’re a leading provider of fire safety products including fire alarms and fire extinguishers for businesses located across Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield. We also offer nationwide coverage thanks to the help of our partner brands and the backing of the LS Fire Group.

As well as offering high-quality fire safety products, we also provide fire risk assessments and fire safety training to ensure your property is fully fire safe. Speak to us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

Electrical fire FAQs

What is the most common cause of electrical fires in commercial office buildings?

The most common cause of electrical fires in office buildings is faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Businesses often rely on a large number of electrical devices, which can strain older wiring systems. Poorly maintained equipment, improper use of extension cords, and outdated electrical infrastructure can also increase the risk of fires.

How can businesses prevent electrical fires?

Businesses can prevent electrical fires by conducting regular inspections of their electrical systems and equipment. Ensure that wiring is in good condition, avoid overloading circuits, and replace damaged or frayed cords. It’s also important to ensure a thorough fire risk assessment is conducted at your premises to identify risks specific to your building, provide staff with fire safety training, and ensure the appropriate fire extinguishers are readily available.

Can outdated electrical equipment increase the risk of fires?

Yes, outdated electrical equipment can significantly increase the risk of electrical fires. Old wiring, sockets, and circuit breakers may not be able to handle modern power demands, leading to overheating and potential fire hazards. Businesses should replace or upgrade outdated electrical infrastructure to ensure safety and compliance.