How to Safely Put Out an Electrical Fire

An electrical fire isn’t like an ordinary house fire. It has its own set of risks and rules, making it especially dangerous. There were nearly 24,000 residential electrical fires in the U.S. in 2023, claiming over 300 lives. As a homeowner, knowing how to put out an electrical fire could save your life.

To get there, you’ll need to learn what makes these types of fires different, what to do in the moment, and what not to do.

If your home has already been affected by an electrical fire, SERVPRO provides expert fire damage restoration.

Key Takeaways

Electrical fires are uniquely dangerous. Water and standard fire extinguishers can make them worse. Knowing how to put out an electrical fire safely starts with understanding these differences.
The first thing to do in the event of an electrical fire is to cut power to the affected area if you can do so safely.
Your best tool for fighting a small electrical fire is a Class C fire extinguisher.
Never use water on an electrical fire. It conducts electricity and can cause electrocution.
When in doubt, get everybody out of the house and call 911.

What Is an Electrical Fire?

An electrical fire is a specific type of fire caused when something goes wrong with your home’s wiring, an outlet, or an electrically powered device. When it comes to types of fires, electrical fires fall under the Class C category, which covers all fires involving live electrical equipment.

Causes of Electrical Fire

You may be surprised at all the different ways an electrical fire can start. Some of the most common causes include:

Faulty or outdated wiring: Aging wire insulation can break down over time, putting older homes at a higher risk.
Overloaded circuits or extension cords: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip can push your electrical system past its limits.
Damaged appliances: Frayed cords, cracked plugs, or defective devices can all spark a fire.
Light fixtures: Using a bulb with a higher wattage than a fixture is rated for can cause overheating and ignite surrounding materials.

Warning Signs of Electrical Fire

Sometimes an electrical fire will give you a warning before it fully ignites. Watch for these signs:

A burning smell with no obvious source: That hot, acrid odor comes from overheating wire insulation inside your walls.
Flickering or dimming lights: This can signal a wiring problem or an overloaded circuit.
Outlets or switch plates that feel warm: Heat building up behind your walls is a serious red flag of an impending fire.
Buzzing or sizzling sounds: Keep an ear out for these noises coming from outlets, switches, or your electrical panel.
Tripping circuit breakers: Repeated trips mean something is wrong.
Sparks: If you see sparks from an outlet or appliance, act immediately.

What to Do First: Immediate Fire Safety Tips

When a fire starts in your home, it’s easy to panic. But before you even think about how to put out an electrical fire, take a few seconds to assess the situation. Look to see whether the fire is small and contained or growing fast. The answer will determine what you do next.

If the fire’s growing fast or you don’t feel safe fighting it, then just get everyone out of the house and call 911 from a safe location.

If the fire seems manageable and you feel confident putting it out, stay calm and work through the steps below.

How to Put Out an Electrical Fire

If the electrical fire is small and contained, you may be able to act quickly to stop it from spreading. Every second counts, so take action right away.

Cut the power: Shut off electricity to the affected area at your breaker panel if you can do so safely. This should always be your first move.
Grab a Class C fire extinguisher: Among the different types of fire extinguishers, Class C is specifically designed for electrical fires. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can make things a lot worse.
Use the PASS technique: Pull the pin of the extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep side to side.
Use baking soda: Not everyone has a Class C fire extinguisher on hand, which is why it’s important to know how to put out an electrical fire without a fire extinguisher. Baking soda can smother small fires by cutting off oxygen.
Know when to get out: Don’t try to be a hero. If the fire grows, it’s time to go.

What Not to Do During an Electrical Fire

With flames crackling inside your home, panic can set in and cause you to make mistakes. Here’s what to avoid when figuring out how to put out an electrical fire.

Never use water: Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution.
Don’t use the wrong extinguisher: A standard ABC or Class A extinguisher won’t work on a live electrical fire unless you cut the power first.
Don’t ignore small signs of trouble: A little smoke or a burning smell are red flags that your home is in danger.
Don’t go back inside your home: Once you’ve gotten out of the house during an electrical fire, stay out until emergency responders give you the all-clear.

Tips to Prevent Electrical Fire

The best way to deal with an electrical fire is to prevent one from starting in the first place. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that many electrical fire incidents are entirely preventable.

A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your home safe:

Never overload your outlets or power strips.
Always plug major appliances directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords.
Inspect cords regularly and replace any that look frayed, cracked, or damaged.
Make sure your light bulbs match the recommended wattage for your light fixtures.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly. If your home is older, consider scheduling a professional installation.

What Next? How SERVPRO Helps After Fire

Even a small electrical fire can leave behind serious damage. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that residential electrical fires caused over $1.5 billion in property damage in 2023 alone.

Trying to figure out the fire damage restoration process on your own can be overwhelming. SERVPRO can help. Our trained professionals can clean up soot and smoke residue, make structural repairs, and even remove the smell of burnt wiring from your home.

Contact SERVPRO to find your nearest location today.

FAQs

What does an electrical fire smell like?

An electrical fire typically produces a sharp, acrid burning smell, similar to burning plastic or rubber. This odor comes from the burning of wire insulation. If you notice this smell in your home, investigate it immediately.

What type of fire extinguisher is used for an electrical fire?

A Class C fire extinguisher is designed specifically for electrical fires. It uses non-conductive agents that won’t cause electrocution. You can also use an ABC extinguisher, but only after you’ve cut the power source.

What does the fire remediation process after an electrical fire involve?

Fire remediation after an electrical fire typically includes securing the property, removing soot and smoke residue, addressing water damage from firefighting efforts, cleaning and deodorizing affected areas, and rebuilding damaged structures. SERVPRO can handle every step in this process to restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

What causes electrical fires?

Electrical fires are most often caused by faulty or outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged appliance cords, and using light bulbs with the wrong wattage. Older homes are at a greater risk of electrical fires due to aging wiring that may not meet modern safety standards.

How can you prevent an electrical fire at home?

To reduce the risk of an electrical fire at home, follow these important habits. Never overload outlets or extension cords. Replace any damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately. Always match light bulb wattage to your fixtures. Finally, always make sure all your home’s smoke detectors work.

How to Put Out an Electrical Fire Safely