Check out these top products and tips that will help you during a fire emergency. Electrical fires can be put out by a Class C fire extinguisher. S - SWEEP from left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If the fire is large, evacuate immediately, shut off the power if possible, and call your local emergency services. The Fire Equipment Manufacturer's Association recommended using a water or foam fire extinguisher on Class A fires. Don’t use anything like blankets, or similar, to smother the flames, as they’re much more likely to ignite themselves. I unplugged it and threw it in the tub, watered it until the fire went out. Lexipol. Do not leave them on overnight or place them next to combustible materials. 5. interacts online and researches product purchases 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. To put out an electrical fire, unplug the appliance or shut off the power to disconnect the electricity. 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. Then, follow these steps to put out an electrical fire at home. You can smother a small fire with baking soda if you have that nearby. Hopfully you never have to encounter an electrical fire. Which is best to put out an electrical fire––oxygen or carbon dioxide? Many electrical fires start at overloaded appliances. This means that you can easily shock yourself if you use water to try and put out an electrical fire. 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… 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 … Escape routes typically include doors and windows that you can easily pass through to the outside. Small electrical fires can be put out by depriving them of their oxygen source. The first thing to remember is that you need to stay calm. If the fuel for the fire you are fighting is kerosene, oil, or another liquid fuel, be careful putting water on it. Last Updated: April 11, 2020 All rights reserved. It contains a chemical called sodium bicarbonate – which believe it or not – is found in many class-C fire extinguishers. That's right: baking soda, just like the kind you use in the kitchen. Copyright © 2020 Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,224 times. A - AIM the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire. "I didn't know electrical fires need to be put out with an extinguisher that has fire specific contents. Remove the oxygen source. This may be called “Tools” or use an icon like the cog. 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. If you want to learn how to use a fire blanket to smother the fire, keep reading the article! A window that is many stories above the ground would not be a great escape route, while a first-floor window would. 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. 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. Because it is so frequently used, most people tend to underestimate the risk potential and dangers that come with electrical fires.Â. This article has been viewed 87,224 times. Never use water to put out the fire. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it. Pay attention if you notice any warning signs of electrical failure. If it happens to be a small fire attempt to put it out by smothering it with baking soda. 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 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. Power Tip: Ideally, you want to use a Class C fire extinguisher specially formulated for putting out electrical fires. If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can't be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. 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 an electrical fire starts 1. Use Baking Soda for Small Electrical Fires. Check your fire extinguisher. Water is a natural conductor of electricity and if you throw water on an electrical fire, you can get shocked or electrocuted. After unplugging the power source, put baking soda over the flames. Don’t use water to put it out. Again, it’s vital to avoid water in these situations. The water can pick up the fuel and move it to another area where it can then ignite and spread the fire. You can do this by putting clothing or a heavy blanket on it if it’s safe. If you think you can fight the fire safely, begin by disconnecting the electricity, if possible, and smothering the flames. You can also use water to douse the fire, as it can remove the fire's heat supply. 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. If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don't attempt it. An electrical fire can be caused in three different ways, and the first is arcing. My hair dryer caught on fire in my hand yesterday. Do NOT pour water over an electrical fire. Use the proper fire extinguisher to fight fires involving energized electrical equipment. and suppliers. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like oil, alcohol, or gasoline. Power On or Off? All rights reserved. Call emergency services. Remove the oxygen source. The easiest and safest way to handle any fire is by using a class C or ABC fire extinguisher. By using our site, you agree to our. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. Inspect electrical devices periodically to determine if there is wear or fraying of the wires. The best flame retardant during an electrical fire is baking soda. When a man sees unwanted and accidental fire, his priority is to put it out. Cut off power in the affected area. P - PULL the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher. Many fire extinguishers made for home use are ABC extinguishers. Whatever you can do safely to remove the electricity from the situation, do it. 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. Turn off power to the electrical system. 2. They can also identify if the home would benefit from AFCI protection. Water should not be used to exterminate these fires. 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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Knowing how to respond quickly could be the difference between a small fire and a devastating disaster. Read on to learn more! Next, read about how to put out a grease fire.Â, This article, originally published on Dec. 12, 2017, has been updated. Do not try to be a hero. Copyright © 2020 In the case of a fire occurring in an electrical panel, do not try putting it out with water. S - SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly. Youcannot even use water to douse the electrical flames. 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. 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. 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. Once you see a small fire start, throw baking soda on the flames. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it.Â. Consider calling emergency services before putting out the fire, just in case it gets out of hand. 3. 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. If the device that is causing the electrical fire is found, and you can reach the cord and outlet safely, unplug it. Water conducts electricity, so in the event that you throw water onto the flames, you are in danger of being severely burned. wikiHow's. A fire blanket is a great option if you don’t have a fire extinguisher. Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading beyond the appliance. First, shut the door, then turn the power off at the mains, providing you can reach the socket safely. If additional circuits are necessary, consult with an electrician. Install child precautions when they are present to prevent accidental electrocution. In a situation where electricity is the source of a fire, it is best to contact a professional to fix the problem. Copyright © 2020 FireRescue1. Sixty-five percent of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. Once 1 of the 2 is blocked, it is time to evacuate. This is probably the worst thing you could possibly do because water conducts electricity. Side Note: Water can be very dangerous. Engel lives in Wichita, Kansas. This will help keep the fire as contained as possible. Plus, an electrical fire in the home is often a more immediate danger than a wildfire and may lead to panic. 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. This should cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the fire. These devices recognize potential electrical hazards that are not detected by standard breakers and can be especially helpful in older homes. Water on an electrified fire can create an electrocution hazard, in addition to the fire hazard. Don't try to fight a large fire yourself. Other types of extinguishers could create an electrocution hazard if used on an electrical fire because they contain liquids or chemicals that conduct electricity. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Unplug or power off any device causing the fire, if it is safe to do so. Look for a box or option labeled “Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari)” or “On Startup (Chrome)”. If the fire you are dealing with is small, use a fire extinguisher to put it out. Engel joined Lexipol in 2015 and has since reported on issues related to public safety. Oxygen, on the other hand, is what the fire needs to burn. Cut off the electricity. Baking soda is your friend. 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. In general, firefighters will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you will be. 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 addition to these tips, it is also imperative to practice good fire safety habits. She can be reached via email. 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. Even if a fire is small, calling the fire department will ensure that if the fire grows, you will have help on the way. Enter “https://www.firerescue1.com/” and click OK. GET OUT. Select the option or tab named “Internet Options (Internet Explorer)”, “Options (Firefox)”, “Preferences (Safari)” or “Settings (Chrome)”. They can prevent between. Cut off the electricity. Do not use devices that show signs of fraying or wear.Â. Sometimes, when it … Water is a natural conductor of electricity. If you want to learn how to use a fire blanket to smother the fire, keep reading the article! My fiance said that was not a good idea, but had no idea how to put out an electrical fire. If a fire is developing and you cannot get the electricity turned off or it is growing rapidly, call the fire department. 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. Baking soda contains the chemical compound sodium bicarbonate, which is also in Class C fire extinguishers. Tell the person you talk to that you are dealing with an electrical fire, so that the firefighters know what they are getting into. Small electrical fires can be put out with baking soda. Develop an evacuation plan for the home, with family members practicing it periodically to ensure preparedness in the event of an emergency. To put out an electrical fire, you Do not overload the outlets. The breaker box is another option to turn off the power. Trying to put out All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Close the door as you leave to contain the fire. To put out a fire, we recommend that you fill a bucket and quickly dump it over the fire to put it out. If there’s an active electrical current, you can receive a fatal shock . Lexipol. 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. Water will conduct electricity, making the situation more Fire blankets stifle the oxygen a fire needs to burn, putting it out entirely if it’s small enough. If an electrical fire does break out, then it’s best to put it out with a carbon dioxide or dry powder fire extinguisher. Then, follow these steps to put out an electrical fire at home. Use Baking Soda for Small Electrical Fires. As soon as you identify where the electrical fire is happening, look for a way to shut off the electrical power in that section. Most home fire extinguishers are class ABC and are effective at putting out electrical fires. If the fire began in an appliance or an overloaded cord, once you’ve unplugged the power source, toss baking soda over the flames. So what do you do? Literally, flames were coming out of either side of it. References Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Do not use flammable items to smother an electrical fire, such as a blanket. 4) Put out the fire with steady sweeps from side to side looking out for flames pushed away from your target. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The first thing to remember is that you need to stay calm. With live electricity involved, flammable items you use could easily start burning. 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. 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. This includes installing smoke detectors in every room of the house and testing them monthly to ensure their batteries are working. {"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":"