Controlling Electrical
Fire
Electrical Fire
The most misunderstood of fire causes are those related to
electrical origins. The US system designates them class C; the
Australian system designates them as class E. This sort of fire
may be caused by short-circuiting machinery or overloaded
electrical cables. These fires can be a severe hazard to fire
fighters using water or other conductive agents, as electricity
may be conducted from the fire through water to the fire
fighter’s body and then earth. Electric shocks have caused many
fire fighters death.
An electrical fire originates from an energized
electrical equipment, wiring, fuses and
appliances. Its extinguishment calls for a non
conductive dry powder, carbon dioxide or
vaporizing liquid. Never use water to avoid
shock or fatal electrocution.
5 most common causes
of electrical fires.
1. Faulty Outlets and Appliances
Most electrical fires are caused by faulty
electrical outlets and old outdated appliances.
Other fires are started by faults in appliance
cords, receptacles and switches. Never use an
appliance with a worn or frayed cord which can
send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors,
curtains, and rugs that can start a fire.
2 . Light fixtures
Light fixtures, lamps and light bulbs are another
common reason for electrical fires. Installing a bulb
with a wattage that is too high for the lamps and light
fixtures is a leading cause of electrical fires. Always
check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on
any lighting fixture or lamp and never go over the
recommended amount.
3. Extension cords
Misuse of extension cords is another electrical fire
cause. Appliances should be plugged directly into
outlet and not plugged into an extension cord for
any length of time. Only use extension cords as a
temporary measure. If you do not have the
appropriate type of outlets for your appliances, hire
an electrician to install new ones.
4. Space heaters
Because these types of heaters are portable, many
times people put them too close to combustible
surfaces such as curtains, beds, clothing, chairs,
couches and rugs. Coil space heaters are especially
dangerous in this regard because the coils become
so hot they will almost instantaneously ignite any
nearby flammable surface.
5. Wiring
Outdated wiring often causes electrical fires. If a
home is over 20 years old, it may not have the
wiring capacity to handle the increased amounts of
electrical appliances in today’s average home, such
as computers, wide-screen televisions, video and
gaming players, microwaves and air conditioners.
Stages of Fire
Incipient Stage
• the earliest stage of fire.
• no visible smoke or flame.
• a significant amount of invisible but smellable
combustion particles may be created.
• the incipient stage occurs when heat, fuel and oxygen
come together and generate more heat than is
dissipate.
• can be easily controlled.
Smouldering Stage
• Second stage of fire.
• With smoke but no flame.
• Slow, low temperature, flameless form of combustion.
• At some point at the end of this stage, flame will begin to
evidence itself and the third stage will begin.
Flame Stage
• Actual fire exists and heat builds up.
• The flame stage features heat sufficient without need of the initial source of heat. As long
as there needs a sufficient fuel and oxygen and nothing intervenes to remove the
increasing heat, the fire will grow.
Heat stage
• Uncontrollable spread of superheated fire.
• The heat stage features rapidly rising heat as the fire grows in
size. As the heat increases it begins to raise the temperature of
other combustible materials in the room until at some point they
reach their ignition temperature and burst into flame.
Preventing Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are one of the top causes of house fires in
Canada. This page provides a general overview of electrical
cord, plug, and appliance safety. You may also find it helpful to
speak with a certified electrician.
Electrical cord and electrical plug safety
Inspecting electrical cords and electrical plugs regularly helps
reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Discard all cords and plugs that are worn or frayed.
Never break off the third prong on a plug to plug it into a two-
pronged outlet.
Replace two-pronged outlets with three-pronged outlets.
When plugging in or unplugging items:
Hold a plug securely to pull it from the wall. Pulling on the cord can
wear the cord out, and increase the risk of a short circuit, an electrical
shock, or a fire.
Use multi-outlet extenders, power bars, and surge protectors
sparingly. Otherwise you can risk overloading a single circuit.
Use extension cords temporarily. If you need the extra length more
often, speak to a certified electrician to install additional electrical
outlets.
Avoid running electrical cords beneath carpets.
Keep electrical cords away from sources of heat and water.
Warning: When young children are present, cover unused outlets
with safety plugs, or install outlets with spring-latch covers.
How to Fight Small Electrical Fires
Switch off appliance and pull out plug. Smother fire with blanket or
Type C extinguisher. Never try to cool with water because water
conducts electricity and can give you an electrical shock.
Portable Space Heaters
Use one with thermostat (not just switch) that shuts off by itself when
tipped over. Plug directly into own outlet. Use in an area free of
combustibles and well ventilated for heat escape. Never leave on
overnight.
Requires a Class C extinguisher until power is shut off
Electrical Fire Prevention
Practices
• Keep hallways and stairways clear for quick exits and
always equip the with smoke detectors whenever
possible.
• Blown fuses, warm outlets plates, sparks from switches
and outlets – all could be signs of an overloaded
electrical system or faulty wiring.
• Never leave hot appliances plugged – in when you are not
around.
• If you have big appliances such as a window air
conditioner, plug them into their own heavy duty
electrical circuit not just an outlet.
• Let air circulate around your T.V. set and at the back of your
refrigerator to dissipate build up heat. Don’t place watered plants
on top of the set or ref.
• Use extension cords only within designated rating.
• Never let multi - outlet assemblies or cube taps cause
overload.
Multi outlet Cube
tap
• Never use frayed or deteriorated extension cords.
