Electrical Fire Safety & Prevention Tips

Written by Staff Writer

A faint burning smell comes from the wall, the lights flicker and a breaker trips again. These warning signs can point to an electrical problem before flames are visible. Knowing what to look for, keeping wiring and equipment in good condition and using cords and appliances safely can help prevent electrical fires at home and in the workplace.

In 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 23,700 residential building fires caused by electrical malfunctions. These fires resulted in about 305 deaths, 800 injuries and more than $1.5 billion in property loss. Another 7,400 electrical-malfunction fires occurred in nonresidential buildings.

How Electrical Fires Start

An electrical fire begins when heat, sparks or an electrical arc ignites nearby material. Common causes include damaged wiring, loose connections, overloaded circuits and electrical equipment that fails or overheats.

The term "electrical fire" describes how the fire started. In the United States, Class C refers to fires involving electrical equipment that is still connected to power, such as a plugged-in appliance, electrical panel or power tool. Class C extinguishers use nonconductive extinguishing agents that reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Electrical fires can develop inside walls, outlets, equipment and appliances. Flames may not be visible right away, so unusual smells, heat, smoke or repeated electrical problems should be checked promptly.

Common Electrical Fire Hazards

Electrical components may deteriorate through age, physical damage, improper installation or repeated use. Equipment can also become hazardous when it draws more power than a circuit, extension cord or power strip is designed to handle.

Common hazards include:

Damaged Wiring

Cracked insulation, exposed wires, loose connections and worn wiring can produce heat or dangerous arcing.

Faulty Appliances

Damaged cords, loose plugs and internal equipment failures can create heat, sparks or short circuits.

Overloaded Circuits

Connecting too many devices to one circuit can produce excess current and heat. Breakers and fuses may shut off the power, but repeated tripping indicates a problem that needs attention.

Misused Extension Cords

Extension cords can overheat when overloaded or used with equipment that draws more power than the cord can safely carry. They should not replace permanent wiring.

Overloaded Power Strips

A power strip adds outlets, but it does not increase the capacity of the circuit. Connecting one power strip to another can increase the risk of overheating.

Damaged Outlets and Switches

Loose outlets, cracked faceplates, poor connections and plugs that no longer fit securely can create unsafe conditions.

Incorrect Lightbulbs

A bulb that exceeds a fixture's recommended wattage may produce more heat than the fixture is designed to handle.

Combustible Materials near Equipment

Curtains, paper, bedding, clothing and other materials can ignite when placed too close to lamps, heaters or other heat-producing equipment.

Electrical System Faults

Short circuits, ground faults and dangerous arcs can damage insulation and ignite nearby materials.

Early Signs of Electrical Trouble

Electrical problems often produce warning signs before a fire starts. If it is safe to do so, stop using the affected outlet, appliance or circuit, then report the problem or contact a qualified electrician.

Watch for:

A burning, melted-plastic or rubber-like odor
Smoke coming from an outlet, switch, appliance, panel or wall
Sparks from an outlet or appliance
Scorch marks or discoloration around outlets and switches
Outlets, plugs or switch plates that feel unusually warm
Lights that frequently flicker or dim
Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly
Fuses that blow more than once
Buzzing, sizzling, popping or crackling sounds
Any tingling or shock when touching electrical equipment
Loose plugs or outlets that no longer hold plugs securely
Frayed, cracked, pinched or exposed wires

Do not repeatedly reset a tripped breaker without identifying the cause. Have recurring or unexplained electrical problems inspected by a qualified electrician or authorized maintenance professional.

Steps to Take During an Electrical Fire

Electrical fires require extra caution because energized equipment can create both fire and electrical shock hazards. Evacuation takes priority over protecting equipment or property.

Follow these steps:

Alert everyone nearby. Activate the building fire alarm if one is available.
Leave the area. Use the nearest safe exit and help others evacuate without delaying your own escape.
Call 911 from outside. Do not remain inside the building to make the call.
Only disconnect the power if you are trained to do so and the breaker or shutoff can be reached without approaching the fire.
Never apply water to energized electrical equipment. Water can conduct current and expose the person using it to electrical shock.
Use an extinguisher only if the fire is small and contained, the fire department has been called, smoke is not blocking the exit and a clear escape route remains available.
Use the correct extinguisher. A Class C or multipurpose ABC extinguisher can be used on electrical equipment that is still connected to power.
Leave immediately if the fire grows. Close doors behind you when possible, stay outside and wait for the fire department.

If you are not trained, cannot keep a clear exit behind you or feel unsure, evacuate instead.

Five Ways to Prevent Electrical Fires

1. Schedule Routine Electrical Maintenance

Electrical systems, outlets, panels and fixed wiring should be inspected and repaired by trained professionals. Property owners and facility managers should address aging equipment, damaged components and recurring electrical problems before they become fire hazards.

Employers can also provide electrical safety training to help maintenance personnel recognize hazards and follow safe work practices.

Facilities involved in power generation and distribution may require additional inspection, maintenance and employee training procedures based on the equipment and electrical hazards present.

Maintenance practices should include:

Replacing damaged cords, plugs, outlets and switches
Repairing loose connections and exposed wiring
Removing defective appliances from service
Keeping electrical panels accessible and correctly labeled
Following inspection schedules for production equipment and other workplace machinery
Investigating breakers that trip or fuses that blow repeatedly

Ask an electrician whether the property needs arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which detect certain dangerous arcs or ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which reduce the risk of electrical shock.

2. Use Cords, Outlets and Appliances Safely

Electrical equipment should be used according to its manufacturer's instructions and power requirements. Check cords and plugs before use, especially on portable equipment that is frequently moved or stored.

Safe practices include:

Plugging large or heat-producing appliances directly into wall outlets instead of power strips or extension cords
Using extension cords only as temporary power sources
Keeping cords out from under carpets, rugs and furniture
Avoiding cords that cross doorways or areas with foot traffic
Never connecting extension cords or power strips together
Keeping power strips within their rated capacity
Replacing cords with cracked insulation, exposed wire or damaged plugs
Using outdoor-rated cords only for outdoor use
Matching lightbulbs to the wattage listed on the fixture
Keeping combustible items away from lamps, heaters and other hot equipment
Unplugging small appliances when they are not being used, when practical

Do not modify a grounded plug to fit a two-slot outlet or force a plug into an incompatible outlet. Ask a qualified electrician to evaluate or upgrade the outlet instead.

3. Prepare a Fire Emergency Plan

An emergency plan tells people what to do when smoke or flames are present. Homes should identify two possible exits from each room, when available and an outdoor meeting place where everyone can gather after leaving.

Workplaces should follow the site's emergency action and evacuation procedures. Employees should know how to activate the alarm, where exits are located, who needs assistance and where to assemble after leaving.

Practice the plan regularly. Include arrangements for children, older adults, people with disabilities, visitors and anyone who may need help hearing an alarm or reaching an exit. Once outside, everyone should remain outside until emergency personnel say it is safe to return.

4. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms provide early warning when a fire develops. Install alarms inside every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

Test each alarm monthly using its test button. For alarms with replaceable batteries, change the batteries at least once a year unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Do not open sealed long-life alarms to replace the battery.

Replace smoke alarms 10 years after installation, or sooner if an alarm fails a test or shows signs of damage.

5. Keep Suitable Fire Extinguishers Available

Fire extinguishers should match the hazards in the building. Multipurpose ABC extinguishers are common in homes because they can be used on materials such as paper and wood, flammable liquids and electrical equipment that is still connected to power.

Place extinguishers where occupants can reach them without moving toward a fire. Check that each extinguisher is visible, easy to reach, undamaged and showing the correct pressure on its gauge.

Follow the manufacturer's inspection, maintenance, replacement and recharging instructions.

Training should teach people how to use an extinguisher and when to evacuate instead. If a fire is spreading, producing heavy smoke or too dangerous to approach, leave, call 911 and stay outside.