If you take a few minutes to scroll through the internet,
You'll quickly find dozens of videos of people struggling to put out an electrical fire.
Sadly, many people are not informed about how to handle such a situation.
Most individuals will treat it like a regular fire, which is something you should never do.
To help you prepare, here are some key steps to follow if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of an electrical fire:
1. Shut Off Power (If Safe to Do So)
If you can do so safely,
Immediately turn off the power to the affected area at the main electrical panel.
This will stop the flow of electricity and could prevent the fire from spreading further.
2. Use a Fire Extinguisher (Class C)
For electrical fires, always use a fire extinguisher rated for Class C fires.
Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion to put it out.
3. Never Use Water
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to put out a fire is dumping water on it.
Electrical fires involve live wires, and water is a conductor of electricity.
Using water can lead to a deadly electric shock or cause the fire to spread.
Always use an appropriate fire extinguisher.
Once the fire is out and it's safe to do so,
Schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to assess any damage to your electrical system.
Electrical fires are often caused by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or malfunctioning appliances.
Identifying and fixing the root cause is essential for preventing future issues.
Stay safe out there,
The Gragg Electrical Team