Every year, we hear about the devastation caused by electrical fires in the news headlines. Occurring at a higher rate during the winter months, electrical fires are a predominant cause of house fires in the United States, this is according to the National Fire Protection Association. Accounting for hundreds of injuries and deaths every year, these fires are unlike any other blaze. They often start quietly, spreading through the outlets and inside the walls, growing out of control before anyone realizes there is a problem. With electricity playing a leading role in our lives, both at home and at work, and everywhere in between, understanding the dangers of electrical fires, the warning signs, and what to do if one starts, could not be more critical.
This guide will help raise awareness about electrical fires and provide valuable information that anyone can use to stay safe in such situations. Educating readers on what electrical fires are, what makes them different from other types of fires, common causes, and the signs to watch for, we hope to prevent electrical fires before they have a chance to begin.. We will also outline the necessary steps to take if an electrical fire ignites on your property. Let’s start with the basics.
What is an Electrical Fire and What Makes Them Different?
Electrical fires, originating from an electrical source, are unlike any other type of fire. When enough heat is generated from an electrical source to ignite nearby materials, an electrical fire begins. Electrical fires can originate from various sources, including faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and other electrical system issues. Starting small, these fires quickly spread into raging infernos, with the energy source continuing to feed the flames and a generous supply of fuel from wood, insulation, and dust inside the walls.
Due to the live electricity component of electrical fires, they behave differently and require different techniques to extinguish. Behaviors unique to electrical fires include:
Hidden Ignition: Electrical fires typically start behind walls, ceilings, or inside an outlet. Being hidden from view makes early detection extremely difficult. Compared to a grease fire during cooking, which is immediately apparent when it erupts, electrical fires may smolder for hours before anyone realizes they are present.
Hot and Fast Burning: Due to the live electrical source, these fires burn hotter and move faster with an uninterrupted power supply.
Special Extinguishing Methods: Most of us think of dousing fires with water as the primary method for extinguishing them or using the nearest fire extinguisher. Since water conducts electricity, attempting to extinguish a fire with water can spread the fire by conducting more electricity or electrocuting the responder. And, not all fire extinguishers are created equally. Electrical fires can only be extinguished using either a Class C or ABC unit.
These differences highlight the hazards of electrical fires, from their hidden ignition to the continuous supply of energy; electrical fires require our awareness. For a deeper understanding, let’s take a look at the most common causes of electrical fires.
5 Common Causes of Electrical Fires
Malfunctioning electrical systems and devices are the leading cause of electrical fires in homes. Understanding the potential sources of an electrical fire makes prevention easier. Addressing these dangers requires a combination of proper maintenance and awareness. The most common causes are:
Outdated or Faulty Wiring: Aging electrical wiring, commonly found in old homes (built before the 1970s), deteriorates over time, resulting in increased resistance to heat and a higher likelihood of arcing.
Overloaded Circuits: Overloading outlets with high-wattage devices, using extension cords, and using power strips can cause overheating, which can eventually lead to a fire.
Damaged or Defective Cords/Appliances: Cords with frayed insulation, bent prongs, loose connections, or faulty internal parts can all lead to electrical fires. Old and poorly maintained appliances, such as clothes dryers and toasters, can overheat internally and potentially ignite fires.
Space Heaters: During the winter months, space heaters significantly contribute to electrical fires, especially when placed near curtains, bedding, or when used with an extension cord.
Arc Faults: Arc faults occur when loose connections between outlets or switches emit tiny sparks, potentially igniting surrounding materials.
For those living in older homes or in one of Northborough’s historic residential areas, electrical fires pose a more significant risk. As winter approaches and the U.S. Fire Administration designates December through January as the months with the highest incidence of electrical fires, awareness is key to prevention. Let’s review the warning signs of an impending electrical fire.
Warning Signs of an Impending Electrical Fire
Many electrical fires are preventable if someone recognizes the subtle warning signs of danger. Early recognition can prevent minor issues from escalating into a life-threatening emergency. Here’s what to watch for:
- Smells of smoke or burning plastic.
- Flickering or dimming lights.
- Warm to the touch outlets or light switches.
- The appearance of char or brown/black discoloration on outlets.
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers.
- Sparking or buzzing noises coming from outlets, electrical panels, or appliances.
- Visible sparks when plugging in or unplugging a device.
If you notice any of these warning signs in your home or business, shut off the power immediately and contact an emergency electrician in Northborough for an immediate inspection. An emergency electrician can inspect your system and eliminate any immediate hazards.
What to Do If an Electrical Fire Starts
The safety of a building’s occupants is the number one priority when it comes to an electrical fire. The first thing to do is evacuate the building immediately upon discovering a fire. Every second counts when it comes to electrical fires, and what you do and don’t do can mean the difference between life and death. Let’s take a look at the critical first steps that one should take:
- Get everyone out of the room immediately and do not allow anyone to re-enter.
- Close the door behind you to contain any potentially toxic smoke from spreading.
- Call 911 even if you think the fire is small, contained, or extinguished.
- Use the main breaker panel only if it’s safe, and switch the power supply off.
- Wait for professional help. Firefighters will extinguish the fire and ensure the scene is safe for re-entry. An emergency electrician will need to verify that the wiring and the electrical system are safe before restoring power.
For individuals who have access to a Class C or Class ABC fire extinguisher and are trained to use them, they may attempt to extinguish the fire, but only if it’s safe. In this case, once the power has been cut off from the property, the P.A.S.S. technique can be used as follows:
- Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher.
- Aim or point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to release the retardant.
- Sweep the fire from side to side until the flames are extinguished.
After an electrical fire incident, it is crucial that a licensed electrician repairs the system professionally and addresses any hidden hazards.
Inspect, Prevent, and Protect
Quiet, fast, and unforgiving, electrical fires can be devastating. Without bias, they affect older homes, newer builds, apartments, and offices alike. Armed with awareness and knowledge of preventive measures, you can actively reduce the risk of electrical fires in your spaces. Regular inspections by a professional electrician can protect both your property and your life. If you’ve experienced flickering lights, tripping breakers, or funky odors coming from the outlets, don’t wait for sparks to fly. For peace of mind and professional protection, hire an electrician in Northborough today and ensure the only fire you have this winter is the one you start in the fireplace.