Electrical Fire Statistics

The Most Common Sources of Electrical Fires in Homes
Wiring and related equipment are responsible for more than 60 percent of electrical home fires. Lighting fixtures, lamps, and bulbs account for another 20 percent while plugs and cords are to blame for approximately 11 percent. A 2019 report from the National Fire Prevention Association breaks down the different types of equipment involved in electrical house fires including space heaters, HVAC systems, water heaters, and electric ranges. Whether an electrical fire starts in the kitchen or sparks behind a wall, the causes are usually similar.1. Equipment Wears Out
All appliances have limited mechanical lives. Once a space heater or electric range outlives its manufacturer’s recommended years of usage, it can become a fire hazard.2. Older Wiring Begins to Fail
Wiring in older houses can lose the capacity to handle the power load necessary for running busy homes. Its failure can generate excessive heat, expand conductors, and arc into electrical fires.3. Tripped Circuits Don’t Cause Alarm
Overloaded circuits that constantly trip are simply reset or replaced with fuses that don’t have enough amperage to handle the recurring problem.4. Lamps and Extension Cords Become Overloaded
Lamps burning with too much bulb wattage and extension cords supporting too many plug-ins are all dangerous and easily avoided electrical fire hazards.Electrical Fire: What To Do When It Breaks Out
As soon as you realize that you’re facing an electrical fire, assess the safety of everyone in the house. If you have any doubts at all, immediately evacuate, and call the fire department right away. In some instances, you can extinguish the fire with these tips. However, we strongly advise that you call 911 first.-
Take Out the Culprit
If you can identify the fire’s source appliance or device and you have safe access to its cord and outlet, unplug it.
Life-Saving Power Tip: Water conducts electricity. Don’t ever use it to extinguish an electrical fire. Doing so puts you and others in immediate danger of electrocution.
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An Unusual Life-Saver
Small, contained fires can be doused with ordinary baking soda. Its sodium bicarbonate composition is the same substance used in Class C fire extinguishers designed for handling electrical fires.
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Take the Oxygen Out
Small fires can also be put out with very heavy blankets or clothing. Covering flames cuts off their oxygen supply and smothers the fire.
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Check Your Fire Extinguisher
Before turning an extinguisher on an electrical fire, check the classification code letters. Most extinguishers are marked as multi-purpose Class A-B-C which means that they’re suitable for a range of fire types.
1) Firmly pull out the safety pin that locks the extinguisher’s discharge mechanism.
2) Stand several feet back, point the nozzle directly at the fire, and aim for the flame base.
3) Slowly squeeze the release lever. Don’t let up unless you want to stop discharging the extinguishing agent.
4) Put out the fire with steady sweeps from side to side looking out for flames pushed away from your target.
Power Tip: Ideally, you want to use a Class C fire extinguisher specially formulated for putting out electrical fires.
Life-Saving Power Tip: When dealing with an electrical fire, never use an extinguisher rated Class A only. This type of extinguisher is water-based and can create a serious electrocution hazard.
Dealing with Electrical Fire Damage in Chicago?

FAQs
Can you put out an electrical fire with flour?
No. Throwing flour on an electrical fire is very dangerous. Tiny flour grains are highly flammable and ignite instantly. A small amount of flour thrown on an electrical fire will explode and make it worse.
How can I prevent old wiring from starting a house fire?
If you suspect old wiring in the house might be a fire hazard, call a licensed electrician. He or she will inspect your home’s electrical system, including wall outlets, light switches and power panels. Ask your local restoration contractor to recommend an electrician near you.
What is the average cost of a home fire extinguisher?
Single-use ABC fire extinguishers cost from $15 to $20. Multi-use home fire extinguishers can cost between $35 and $75. Most fire extinguishers are good for 5 to 15 years. When the pressure gauge needle moves out of the green “safe” zone, it’s time to replace the extinguisher.