The document discusses the dangers of electrical fires, highlighting a tragic incident caused by substandard Christmas lights. It provides safety tips for responding to electrical fires, including notifying fire services, shutting off power, and using appropriate extinguishing methods. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of preventing electrical hazards through regular maintenance and vigilance.

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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
Commercial Electrician Sydney

4. 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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
Commercial Electrician Sydney

5. 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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
Commercial Electrician Sydney

6. 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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
Commercial Electrician Sydney

7. 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.
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
Commercial Electrician Sydney

8. 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
www.secgroup.com.au Electrician Sydney | Electrician North Sydney
Commercial Electrician Sydney