I have come upon an old news article about a home that caught fire from using substandard Christmas lights. Unfortunately, there was one death and thousands worth of property loss. Contemplating on the news article, I remarked how foolish people can be when using substandard appliances. Most people don’t know that electrical fires can happen anytime from using substandard electronics. Worst, many people don’t know how to respond to the disaster.

1. Putting Out an Electrical Fire
I have come upon an old news article about a home that
caught fire from using substandard Christmas lights.
Unfortunately, there was one death and thousands worth
of property loss. Contemplating on the news article, I
remarked how foolish people can be when using
substandard appliances. Most people don’t know that
electrical fires can happen anytime from using
substandard electronics. Worst, many people don’t know
how to respond to the disaster.
Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
www.secgroup.com.au
Commercial Electrician Sydney

2. Most of us do not know that there are different kinds of
fire. They can’t all be put out by the same way. You
cannot just use the fire extinguisher to douse any fire.
You cannot even use water to douse the electrical flames.
Electrical fire is dangerous and they should be handled in
a precise way to put out the flames quickly and safely.
Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
www.secgroup.com.au
Commercial Electrician Sydney

3. How can you put out electrical fire? Below are some tips
to help you out for safety:
- Phone the firemen immediately. Even if the fire is
small and if you think you can douse it easily, it is
better to leave that to the firemen. Make sure you tell
them it is an electrical fire so they can come prepared.
- Shut off the main power supply or the circuit breaker
if you can. Make sure your hands are not wet and that
the fire is not close to your electrical system before
you attempt on this step.
Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
www.secgroup.com.au
Commercial Electrician Sydney

4. - Do not douse the flames with water as it can only
make the fire spread out. Use a multi-purpose ABC
extinguisher or a class-C extinguisher to douse the
flames. Check if the extinguisher is clearly marked for
use against electrical fire. If it is not marked and you
are not sure what kind it is, then do not use it.
- Do you have any sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) at
home? If you don’t have an extinguisher at home and
if the fire is small, douse it with enough amount of
sodium bicarbonate to put the fire off.
Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
www.secgroup.com.au
Commercial Electrician Sydney

5. - Get your family and pets out of the house if you
cannot fight the flames yourself or if it’s getting large or
spreading. Leave the burning premise before you and
your family can’t get out. Do not attempt to save your
belongings. Wait outside for help to arrive and seek
assistance from concerned neighbours.
Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
www.secgroup.com.au
Commercial Electrician Sydney

6. Even if you do not experience such electrical hazard at
the moment, it is best to be vigilant and watch out early
for signs of possible disaster. Do not overload electrical
outlets and extension cords. Replace broken power
outlets, frayed cords, loose plugs, broken receptacles,
faulty wirings, etc. Have an electrician come over to your
place for regular maintenance.
In case of electrical hazard, do not panic. Act wisely and
accordingly. Do not let your fear get hold of you.
Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
www.secgroup.com.au
Commercial Electrician Sydney