Electrical faults or arcing can result into a fire. Statistics indicate that 3 out of 10 home fires is caused by electrical appliances. How do you then put out an electrical fire?
Well, the first rule of thumb is – do not use water even when it is the first instinct that may come to mind.
Water and electricity do not coexist in harmony. Basically, that is because water is a good conductor of electricity. If there be any live electrical power, you can encounter this hazardous energy. You may be shocked or even electrocuted!
There are therefore safe methods that are recommended to put out an electrical fire. I will take you through the process.
First, ensure that if possible, the sources of power have been switched off. However, when that posse’s danger, do not worry and do not put yourself in direct danger.
Secondly, go for a class E fire extinguisher. This type of fire extinguisher is meant to put out electrical fires.
Electrical fires are best extinguished using foam.
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But how do I know whether I am dealing with an electrical fire or not?
Sometimes you may be unsure whether the fire is caused by electricity or classified as an electrical fire. And that is okay.
However, observe the following to help you make the right conclusion.
i) Is the fire on an electrical appliance?
ii) Is the fire on or near an electrical socket or power distribution panel?
iii) is the fire in the generator room?
iv) is the fire near an electrical heater or cooling appliance?
If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, you are most likely dealing with an electrical fire.
When unsure, you are much safer assuming that the fire is electrical.
Follow these simple steps to effectively put out an electrical fire:
1 If you identify the appliance on fire, you can reach out the source of the electrical power and isolate it.
Remember, conditions must be safe for you to do this. Switch off the switch connecting the appliance to electricity.
Even better still, if you know the location of the main power circuit breaker for your house, switch off the power at this point.
2 If the fire is at the incipient stage and therefore still small, put a heavy but dry blanket to cover the fire.
This eliminates the oxygen which in turn stops the fire. Take care that the surface upon which you are putting the blanket is not too hot otherwise it will ignite the blanket or melt it depending on the material of the blanket.
Often electrical fires start from overheating appliances.
3 Grab a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. A class C fire extinguisher should be used.
Most residential fire extinguishers are labeled to be safe for class A, b and C. However, ensure you verify this before using the fire extinguisher.
4 When a class C fire extinguisher is not available, you can use baking soda. This works when the fire is small. The baking powder represses the fire by cutting off oxygen.
5 Do not use water to extinguish the fire. You are making the situation more unsafe. The water is a good conductor of electricity and hence would transfer the electrical power into your body.
Consequently, you will experience electrical shock and in worse situations get electrocuted.
6 If the fire is not contained and becomes bigger, escape to a safe distant away from the house and request for fire brigade. Use your prepared fire emergency plan to evacuate.
It is recommended that you practice your fire emergency response plan with your family often. This gives everyone confidence when the actual evacuation happens.
What are some of Electrical Fire Preventive Tips?
🔘 Always confirm than an electrical appliance can be supported in the socket you want to plug it into. For example, use heating appliances on power socket outlets labeled for such application.
🔘 Do not do electrical connections or modifications if you are not trained to do such. Always involve an electrician for professional and safe services.
🔘 Regularly inspect the conditions of your appliances and electrical circuits especially at the main power distribution panel.
🔘 Use of extension cords for power intensive applications, for example cooling and heating is not recommended. Even when you use the extension cords for the other light applications, ensure that they are in good working conditions.
🔘 Pay attention to what you smell or hear. If you smell something burning or hear hissing sound near electrical sockets/ appliances, do not ignore. Call an electrician to check it out.
🔘 Use home appliances that have safety features to prevent situations like fire. Some appliances will switch off when they sense overheating. As well, there are portable space heaters that will shut off if they tip over. Such devices proactively prevent fire from starting.
🔘 Install a smoke detector in each room of your house to alert you when fire starts. It is at the incipient stage where you have much control over the fire.
🔘 Electrical cables should be properly sized to support electrical load requirements. Cables are known to overheat if undersized and are a potential cause of fire.
🔘 It is best practice to unplug the appliances from power sources when you are not using them. This prevents them from overheating or unintended operation by kids for example.
Conclusion
Electricity is a subtle hazard. We use it frequently and somehow trivialize the associated dangers. Despite this, when you practice the preventive tips and the fire response steps outlined above, it mitigates the risk of fire injury or death.
Avoid using water where electricity is involved. However, if you are sure you have isolated power from the main source, there is no harm using water to put out an electrical fire.
Keep the main thing the main thing. And the main thing is your safety. Do not compromise your safety while attempting to put out an electrical fire. Evacuate and call for help. It is better to be safe than be trapped in a fire.