People often think that water is a remedy for every type of fire when asked about fire safety. However, handling electrical fires is entirely different because it can be dangerous to extinguish such fires with water. Electrical fires are not only hazardous but can quickly escalate if the right steps aren’t taken. Recent events involving the devastating LA wildfires caused by electrical faults, as reported by Newsweek, hardly speak lightly of the subject matter of electrical fire safety.
Understanding why electrical fire water usage is a mistake and how to manage such fires could mean the difference between minor damage and complete devastation, especially for homeowners reclaiming fire-damaged properties.
What Leads to Electrical Fires?
Electrical fires often result from hidden dangers in a home that go unnoticed or are not properly maintained. Here are some of the main culprits:
Aging or Damaged Wiring
Wires that are worn out, outdated, or incorrectly installed can overheat and spark, posing a serious fire hazard. Such wires pose great fire hazards and threaten homes, especially older homes that have an electrical system of older technology.
Excessive Power Load
Using an outlet for over-high-wattage appliances or more devices can cause overheating and create a fire risk. This can be made worse by overloads in the power strip or extension cord.
Faulty or Neglected Electronics
Defective gadgets, whether old electrical equipment or an appliance with a frayed cord, can create sudden surges of electricity or sparks that may ignite other combustible materials.
Improper Handling of Electrical Devices
Chances of overheating, eventually leading to fire, are multiplied by the use of heaters, lamps, chargers, or any such device on unstable or combustible surfaces, or leaving such appliances switched on for long periods.
By recognizing these potential hazards, homeowners can reduce the risk of electrical fires, especially when evaluating homes with a history of fire damage or compromised electrical systems. Understanding why electrical fire and water are not a safe combination is crucial, as prevention remains the key to safety and avoiding costly property damage.
What Not To Do
- Don’t Use Water: As previously mentioned, electrical fire water incidents can lead to severe electric shocks and worsen the situation. Always avoid water unless you are certain the power is completely off.
- Don’t Use a Foam Extinguisher: Foam extinguishers may contain conductive elements that are also dangerous in electrical fires. Stick to dry chemical extinguishers labeled for Class C use.
- Don’t Touch Burning Equipment: Even if the flames die down, avoid touching any electrical components until a professional deems it safe.
What To Do to Safely Extinguish an Electrical Fire
1. Turn Off the Power Source
The first and most crucial step in dealing with an electrical fire is cutting the power supply to it. Unplugging it or shutting off the main breaker would cut power to the area if it were safe to do so. That way, it removes the electrical current feeding the fire.
2. Use a Class C Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher designed for Class C fires (specifically electrical fires) is the best tool once the power is off. This type of extinguisher uses dry chemicals or other non-conductive substances to starve the fire of oxygen in a safe manner.
3. Smother Small Fires
So, if it’s small and controllable, extinguish the fire with a thick blanket, baking soda, or sand. These will restrict the flow of oxygen and help stop the fire from continuing. But beware of inhaling smoke and fumes.
4. Evacuate and Call for Help
If fire is spreading quickly or you are not able to turn off the power, then evacuate the building without delay. Never put your safety at risk to fight the fire yourself. Dial 911 and inform them that it is an electrical fire.
Recovering and Rebuilding After Electrical Fires
There are various things that would usually determine the direction of action for homeowners suffering from the effects of electrical fire damage. These include an evaluation of the overall damage and also really require the intervention of professionals since what one sees outside is usually not as representative of how deep the hidden destruction goes-how far the wires may have been damaged or how far residues are still left.
For those choosing to restore their homes, modernizing electrical systems with fire-resistant materials can boost safety and value. At the very least, selling the property as is might give you a real-life escape from the emotional and financial problems of restoring it; often, the buyers drawn to such properties are cash buyers whose primary interests lie in rehabbing lost homes. Alternatively, rebuilding provides an opportunity to integrate advanced safety features, like flame-retardant materials and improved electrical layouts, minimizing future fire risks. Regardless of the decision, taking informed, decisive steps to address damage is crucial. These actions help prevent future incidents and ensure a safer, more secure future for any homeowner.
Previous