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09/09/2025 • by Megan Downing
Where there's electrical equipment, there's a risk of electrical fires. That's why it's vital to know how they start, how to prevent them, and how to put them out safely.
This blog dives into everything you need to know: what electrical fires are, the most common causes, prevention tips, which extinguishers to use, and how to put them out safely.
At Fire Protection Shop, our fire-safety experts have helped countless homes and businesses take the right steps to stay protected. After reading our expert advice, you'll be confident and prepared in the event of an emergency.
An electrical fire is a fire that is started by an electrical fault, misuse, or malfunction.
Common causes of electrical fires include the following:
Faulty or outdated wiring
Faulty, damaged or poorly maintained electrical appliances
Overloaded circuits
Worn or faulty outlets
Misused extension cords
Portable heaters placed too close to flammable materials
Light fittings with bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage
Left unchecked, these common triggers for electrical fires have the potential to cause serious damage, put lives at risk, and shut down businesses.
To prevent the risk of an electrical fire take the following measures:
Check your wiring. If it's old or shows signs of damage call a qualified electrician.
Maintain your electrical appliances. Replace anything worn or faulty.
Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use. If unplugging isn't possible, keep sockets clear and always use the correct fuses.
Avoid overloading circuits. Long-term use of extension cords or power strips can overheat and cause fires.
Keep heavy-duty appliances off adapters. Items with pumps, motors, or magnets draw a lot of power and need their own outlet.
Inspect outlets regularly. Stop using any that spark, feel hot or look warm.
Use portable heaters responsibly. Always keep portable heaters away from flammable materials.
Choose the right bulbs. Stick to the wattage limit recommended for your light bulb.
Schedule regular fire inspections and fire risk assessments. For commercial premises, this is a compliance requirement that ensures risks, like faulty wiring, are spotted early before they become dangerous.
By staying on top of these simple checks, you can greatly reduce the risk of electrical fires
There are three types of fire extinguishers that should be used on an electrical fire. These are:
CO2 fire extinguishers.
Dry powder fire extinguishers.
Water mist fire extinguishers.
Water extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires. If, for example, the user is handling a water fire extinguisher, this could conduct electricity and cause electrocution and serious harm to the person handling the extinguisher. Since the drops are so small in water mist fire extinguishers, they leave almost no trace and are therefore safe on electrical fires.
No, like water fire extinguishers, foam fire extinguishers can conduct live currents and be dangerous for the user. The only extinguishers that should be used are: CO2, dry powder, and water mist.
If there is an electrical fire, take the following steps:
Cut the power if possible. This can sometimes stop the fire immediately.
Use a CO2, dry powder, or water mist fire extinguisher. Never use water.
If the fire is too large, safely evacuate and call 999.
To extinguish an electrical fire, do the following:
Grab a CO2, dry powder, or water mist fire extinguisher.
Pull out the safety pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the nozzle.
Make a sweeping motion from side to side.
Without an extinguisher present, the best option to put out an electrical fire is to smother the oxygen. First cut off the power then use a fire blanket by placing it over the fire, or if that isn't possible, put bicarbonate soda or salt over the fire.
