How To Put Out an Electrical Fire

We use electricity in almost every aspect of our daily lives, so it’s little wonder that electrical equipment and appliances can become a source of accidental fires. Faulty wiring, damaged cables, overloaded sockets, and defective appliances can all create an electrical fire risk if they’re not identified and addressed.

Knowing how to stop an electrical fire is important, but your personal safety must always come first. Electrical fires need to be treated differently from fires involving materials such as paper or wood, and using the wrong fire extinguisher could cause the fire to spread or expose you to electrical shock.

So with this in mind, we explain how to deal with an electrical fire safely, along with which extinguishers for electrical fires may be suitable, and how businesses can reduce the risk of an incident occurring.

How to stop an electrical fire safely

If you discover an electrical fire, raise the alarm immediately and make sure everyone begins following the building’s evacuation procedure. Only consider tackling the fire if it’s small enough to do so, you’ve been trained to use the available equipment, and you have a clear escape route behind you. For wider guidance on how to put out a small fire, including situations where an extinguisher may not be available, our guide explains some of the safest steps to consider.

When dealing with an electrical fire, follow these steps:

1. Raise the alarm and alert everyone nearby

Activate the fire alarm and begin evacuating the building. Contact the fire and rescue service once you’re in a safe location.

2. Disconnect the electricity if it’s safe to do so

If you can isolate the power without approaching the fire or putting yourself at risk, switch off the affected appliance or electrical supply. Disconnecting the power removes the electrical hazard, although the materials that have caught fire may continue burning.

3. Use the correct extinguisher only if you’re trained

Check first that the extinguisher is suitable for fires involving electrical equipment. A CO2 extinguisher is generally the main fire extinguisher for electrical fires because the agent doesn’t conduct electricity and leaves no residue.

4. Keep a clear route to safety

Never allow the fire to come between you and the exit. If it begins to grow, produces significant smoke, or doesn’t go out immediately, stop what you’re doing and evacuate.

Fire extinguishers are intended to support escape and may be used by trained people on a fire in its earliest stages. Anyone who’s uncertain should raise the alarm, leave the premises, and call the fire and rescue service rather than attempting to fight the fire.

Which fire extinguisher should you use for electrical fires?

Choosing the right extinguisher for electrical fires is essential. Water and foam can conduct electricity or introduce further risk around live electrical equipment, so it’s important to not use an unsuitable extinguisher as it may make the situation more dangerous. For a broader comparison of the different types of fire extinguishers and the fires they are designed to tackle, our guide explains the main options available.

Extinguisher type	Suitable for live electrical equipment?	Key consideration
CO2	Yes	Preferred for many electrical risks and leaves no residue
Dry powder	Sometimes	May impair visibility and is generally unsuitable for enclosed spaces
Water	No	Water conducts electricity
Foam	No	Standard foam shouldn’t be used on live electrical equipment
Wet chemical	No	Designed principally for cooking oil and fat fires

CO2 extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers are generally the preferred choice for fires involving electrical equipment. They’re identified by a black label and work by displacing the oxygen around the fire.

Because CO2 leaves no residue, it’s particularly suitable for:

• Computers and office equipment
• Servers and communications equipment
• Electrical appliances
• Switchgear and control equipment
• Other energised electrical risks

However, CO2 provides limited cooling. If the affected materials remain hot, there’s a possibility that the fire could reignite once the gas disperses. CO2 can also displace oxygen, so it must be used with care in small or confined spaces.

Dry powder extinguishers

Some dry powder extinguishers can be used on electrical fires. However, they’re not normally the first choice inside offices or other enclosed premises.

It’s important to note that dry powder can:

• Significantly reduce visibility
• Cause breathing difficulties
• Spread residue throughout the area
• Damage sensitive electrical equipment
• Provide little cooling, which may potentially allow the fire to reignite

Dry powder may be more appropriate for certain outdoor, industrial, or specialist environments where several different fire risks are present. Its suitability should be determined through your fire risk assessment and advice from a competent fire safety provider, like TVF. 

What causes an electrical fire?

An electrical fire typically occurs when an electrical component becomes damaged, overloaded, or overheated. In some cases, the warning signs may be visible before a fire starts, while other faults can remain hidden within equipment or wiring.

Some common causes of electrical fires include:

• Defective or damaged sockets
• Overloaded extension leads
• Daisy-chained extension blocks
• Faulty light fixtures
• Portable heaters placed near combustible materials
• Damaged plugs and cables
• Outdated or poorly maintained appliances
• Electrical equipment being used incorrectly
• Unsuitable chargers or replacement components

Warning signs such as scorching, unusual smells, sparks, repeated tripping, or plugs that become excessively hot should never be ignored. The equipment should be disconnected where safe and inspected by a qualified electrician.

What NOT to use on an electrical fire

When putting out an electrical fire, you should never use water on equipment that may still be connected to the electrical supply. Water conducts electricity and could expose you and other people nearby to electric shock.

You should also avoid using:

• Standard water fire extinguishers
• Foam extinguishers on live equipment
• Wet chemical extinguishers
• Any extinguisher that you can’t confidently identify
• Improvised methods that require you to approach the fire

Don’t touch, move, or unplug burning equipment if doing so would bring you close to flames, heat, or exposed electrical components.

Ultimately, the safest way to deal with an electrical fire is to raise the alarm, evacuate, and allow the fire and rescue service to respond. Attempting to use an extinguisher should only be considered when the fire is small, the correct equipment is available, and you have received suitable fire safety training.

How to prevent an electrical fire

Most electrical fires can be prevented through good maintenance, responsible equipment use, and early action when defects are identified. Here are some tips on how to stop an electrical fire from starting in the first place: 

• Avoid overloading sockets – don’t connect more appliances than a socket or extension lead is designed to support. High-demand equipment should be plugged directly into an appropriate fixed socket.
• Check cables and plugs regularly – remove damaged, scorched, or frayed cables from use. Exposed wiring and loose connections can produce heat or sparks capable of igniting nearby materials.
• Maintain electrical equipment – be sure to arrange appropriate inspection and maintenance for electrical equipment. Workplace appliances should be checked according to level of risk, how frequently they’re used, and the environment they operate in.
• Use suitable equipment – you should always purchase electrical products from reputable suppliers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. 
• Position portable heats safely – keep portable heaters away from paper, textiles, furniture, and other combustible materials. Where possible, choose equipment with suitable safety features, such as automatic shut-off if it tips over.
• Review your fire risk assessment – your fire risk assessment should identify electrical ignition sources, people who may be at risk, and the precautions required to manage them. It should also determine which fire extinguishers for electrical fires are necessary and where they should be positioned.

Need further expert advice on electrical fire safety?

Knowing how to stop an electrical fire and having the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires can help protect your people and premises. However, extinguishers should never replace prevention, maintenance, or a clear evacuation procedure.

At TVF, we can provide comprehensive fire risk assessments, professional fire extinguisher services, and fire safety training for businesses across High Wycombe, Watford, Slough, and across the UK thanks to the support of the LS Fire Group. We can assess the electrical risks within your premises, advise on the most suitable extinguishers, and ensure your equipment is installed and maintained correctly.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today to arrange support for your business and to discuss your fire safety requirements in more detail.