According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires account for 6.3% of residential fires, totaling approximately 24,000 fires annually. These fires most often occur in one- and two-family dwellings (83%), making them a real danger to homeowners across the Sarasota region. Although most electrical fires start in most significantoom and vacant crawl spaces, the greatest number of fatalities occur with fires located in the living room and den.
Knowing how to extinguish an electrical fire is essential – but first, let’s review how these fires can start in the first place.
Electrical Fires: The Causes
- Faulty outlets and appliances: Most electrical fires are caused by malfunctioning electrical outlets, outdated appliances and faults in appliance cords, receptacles, and switches. Never use an appliance with a worn out cord, which can transmit heat onto floors, drapery, and rugs that can combust and cause a fire. Also, you should never run an old cord under a rug.
- Light fixtures: Lamps, light bulbs, and light fixtures may also cause electrical fires, especially if the installed bulb has wattage too high for the fixture. Placing materials like a cloth over a lampshade can cause the material to ignite and cause a fire.
- Extension cords: Appliances should always be directly plugged into the outlet and not plugged into an extension cord. Extension cords should only be considered a temporary measure.
- Space heaters: Portable heaters that are placed too close to curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, couches, and rugs can be hazardous.
- Wiring: Homes over 20 years old may not have the wiring capacity for the electrical appliances and devices in today’s home. Breakers are triggered when circuits get overloaded, but outdated breaker boxes often have worn connectors that cause the system to malfunction and overload.
Putting Out an Electrical Fire
The first thing to know is that you should never put your life – or the lives of your family – in danger. If a fire is broken out, call 911 and get to safety. However, if you notice a sparking outlet or a small flame, you can likely extinguish the fire before it gets any larger.
- Turn Off Electricity to Your Entire Home: If the fire is small enough to stop, shut off the power to the entire home at the electrical panel box.
- Avoid Using Water to Extinguish an Electrical Fire: Your first thought may be to grab a cup of water to put out a fire, but this is a perilous mistake. Water will not douse an electrical fire and could cause electrocution.
- Try Baking Soda: Instead of water, use baking soda to put out a small flame. Sodium bicarbonate is one of the main components of the materials in Class C fire extinguishers. Always have some baking soda accessible in your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry in case of emergency.
- Fire Extinguishers Are the Best Tool: Once the electrical panel is shut off, you can safely use a fire extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. An electrical blanket may also be used as it deprives the flames of oxygen. Both items readily accessible can help you quickly avert a disaster at your home.
Promise Electric is a team of professional electrical contractors who can help you with all residential or commercial projects. This electrical repair company is one of the most trusted in the Sarasota region for a good reason – call us today for more information.
