How do you stop an electrical fire?  

 People tend to underestimate the potential risks of electricity. Home electrical fires are a danger in many communities because people use electrical devices daily, such as light fixtures and appliances. From 2012 to 2016, the second leading cause of U.S. home fires were electrical failures, according to the NFPA.

It was also reported that home electrical fires resulted in the most civilian deaths and more than a billion in property damage. The majority of electrical malfunctions that started residential fires occurred during cold weather months from November to February.

Here are some tips on how to stop a fire caused by electricity in case of an emergency.

• Turn off the main switch of the fuse box – If you can identify which electrical device caused the fire, safely handle the electrical cord and outlet, then unplug it to turn off the electrical flow to the device. You should also turn off the circuit breaker or the main switch of the fuse box.

Remember to not use the appliance even after the fire has been put out because the electrical wire has been damaged. An electrician in Pinellas can check the fire source caused by electricity and prevent a future electrical fire from happening.

• Use baking soda – Faulty wiring and installation can start a fire. Did you know that a common household item can be used to stop fires? If you cannot locate your fire extinguisher, you can use baking soda to stop a fire caused by electricity.

Sodium bicarbonate can smother a small fire. If you have a heavy piece of cloth such as a blanket or thick coat, you can remove the oxygen source and put out a small fire. Do not leave your space heaters in an unattended room. Please do not keep your space heaters on while you are sleeping as they can lead to a fire caused by electricity.

• Do not try to extinguish electrical fires using water – To prevent electrical fires from worsening, remember not to use water to put out a fire caused by electricity.You can risk getting electrocuted because water is a natural conductor of electricity. Water may also be used to spread the fire and potentially burn flammable materials that can shock residents.
• Understand the category of your fire extinguisher – Be aware that fires have certain classifications. Electrical fires belong to the Class C category of fires to need a fire extinguisher appropriate for this type.

Verify that your fire extinguisher has the proper label and certifications. Check-in with your fire administration and make sure you have the updated contact details of the emergency electrical services. You never know when you may need their assistance.

• Install safety alarms – As a good safety practice, you may want to install quality smoke detectors and fire alarms in your residential and commercial spaces. There are fire alarms that can contact your fire administration in the event of an emergency and increase the chances of surviving a fire caused by electricity.
• Hire a pro – Suppose you observe that your appliances and light bulbs get unusually hot on several occasions. In that case, you can request your electrical service to check your electrical systems for loose wires that may need repairs. The common causes of electrical fires are poor maintenance of electrical systems, and the leading cause of electrical fires is overlooked minor damages.

A fire caused by electricity may be due to faulty electrical outlets. Older homes may have worn out sockets that have not been regularly maintained. Back in the day, older circuit breakers handled light bulbs and minor appliances, but now the electrical system of a modern home is much different.

More appliances such as washing machines, video game consoles, computers, and air fryers consume a lot of electricity. You may need to request the help of residential electrical services to check the breaker boxes and perform panel changes to upgrade your electrical system and protect your home from a fire caused by electricity.

Useful Commercial Building Tips

If you have space in a commercial building, you may want to hire commercial electrical services to complete a thorough inspection of your complex electrical systems, such as your electrical wiring, electrical outlets, and power panels. Professionals would have the necessary licenses to do the electrical work, and an updated electrical system can prevent a fire caused by electricity.

There are several ways you save lives and minimize the damage due to a fire caused by electricity. Being proactive can help prevent fire hazards and give you the peace of mind that you are safer in your homes and workspaces. Contact Pinellas County Electric at 727-269-1982 and let us prevent a fire caused by electricity while taking care of all your electrical needs.