--- title: Top 5 Things to Know About an Electrical Fire description: Did you know that nearly 50,000 fires each year are electrical fires, according to the NFPA? They are surprisingly common, and their causes are all around us in our homes and workplaces. It is vital to understand some basics about electrical fires should you ever encounter one. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Protection/ThinkstockPhotos-158562554.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # Top 5 Things to Know About an Electrical Fire Posted May 23, 2018 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![Top 5 Things to Know About an Electrical Fire](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Protection/ThinkstockPhotos-158562554.jpg?width=600&name=ThinkstockPhotos-158562554.jpg) Did you know that nearly 50,000 fires each year are electrical fires, according to the [NFPA](https://www.nfpa.org/)(National Fire Protection Agency)? They are surprisingly common, and their causes are all around us in our home and workplaces. It is vital that you understand some basics about electrical fires should you ever encounter one. ### 1. Lots of Things Can Cause Them Unfortunately, several very common items and activities can result in an energized electrical fire: faulty wiring, old appliances, portable heaters, damaged power cord, a short circuit, overloaded electrical outlets, overcharged and overheated devices. ### 2. DON’T Use Water! Water acts as a conductor, allowing the electricity to travel, which could result in electrocution. Furthermore, because the water will conduct the electricity, that means it will essentially spread the source of the fire’s ignition, and thus the fire as well. NEVER use water or a water-based fire extinguisher as long as there is still electricity powering the fire! ### 3. Cut Off the Power Source If the fire hasn’t spread beyond the electrical item that caused it, then unplugging or shutting off the power to that item could kill the fire. Regardless of whether it is enough to kill the fire, however, you will need to cut off the power source if it can be done safely. This is because as long as electricity continues to power the appliance/device/equipment, there will continue to be a source of ignition. The fire either won’t be able to be put out, or it could just keep reigniting if the power source is not cut off. ### 4. Use the Right Suppressant Not all fire extinguishers work for electrical fires. If you have a fire extinguisher in your home, make sure that it includes the label Class C, which means that it uses an electrically nonconductive extinguishing agent [appropriate for electrical fires](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-fire-extinguishers-their-uses). ### 5. Most are Preventable Most electrical fires start as a result of old and damaged wiring, overloaded outlets, and/or incorrectly charged electronic devices. These things are easily avoidable. Be sure to check your wiring and electrical cords to ensure there are no twists, frays, or exposed wires. Review your outlets and power strips to make sure they are not being overloaded. If you use power strips, make sure they include internal circuit breakers, which can reduce the risk of electrical accidents. ## Next Steps If you would like to avoid encountering electrical fires, make sure to do a walk through of your home or work-space and keep an eye out for electrical hazards. They are easy to correct. However, sometimes prevention is not enough. Be sure to have a [proper fire extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-many-fire-extinguishers-do-i-need-in-my-building) in your home or office in case of such an emergency. Not sure you have what you need? The experts at Koorsen can talk and walk you through your unique property and fire protection needs. Give them a call or contact them online today! [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Fire Extinguisher](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher), [Fire Safety](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety), [Fire Safety & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. 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