Electrical Fire in Perth: What to Do and How to Prevent One
An electrical fire is one of the most dangerous things that can happen in a home, and knowing what to do, and what not to do, can save lives. It behaves differently from other fires, which changes how you should respond. Here is what to do if one starts and how to prevent one.
What causes an electrical fire?
An electrical fire usually starts from overheating: faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, loose connections, damaged appliances or misused power boards. The heat from arcing or an overloaded circuit ignites nearby insulation or dust. Because the cause is the electricity itself, it needs a careful response, not just water.
6 things to do in an electrical fire
- Get everyone out and call 000 first
- Do not throw water on it, water conducts electricity
- Switch off power at the main switch if it is safe
- Use a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher if trained
- Never risk yourself, leave if in any doubt
- Have an electrician check the cause afterwards
Never use water
The most important rule with an electrical fire is never to use water while the power is on, water conducts electricity and can give you a fatal shock or spread the fire. If it is safe to reach, switching off the main power removes the source. Otherwise, get out and leave it to the fire service.
Getting out safely
No possession is worth your life. If an electrical fire is anything more than tiny and immediately controllable, get everyone out, close the door behind you, and call 000 from outside. Fires grow fast, and the safest response is almost always to leave quickly and let the professionals deal with it.
Warning signs to act on
Many a fire is preceded by warning signs: a burning smell, scorch marks, flickering lights, warm or discoloured outlets, or a safety switch that keeps tripping. Acting on these early, by calling an electrician, is the best way to stop a fire before it starts. Never ignore them.
Preventing electrical fires
Prevention comes down to sound wiring, not overloading circuits, avoiding daisy-chained power boards, and maintaining appliances. Modern safety switches and a well-maintained switchboard add protection. A periodic electrical inspection, especially in older Perth homes, catches the faults that cause a fire before they become dangerous.
Older homes and fire risk
Older homes carry more electrical fire risk: ageing wiring, old switchboards, and fewer safety switches. If your home is decades old and has never been checked, an inspection is worthwhile. Upgrading tired wiring and the switchboard dramatically reduces the risk and brings your home up to modern safety standards.
Keep an extinguisher handy
A dry powder or CO2 extinguisher rated for electrical fires is worth having in the kitchen or garage, and knowing how to use it. Never use a water extinguisher on electrics. Even so, the first priority is always getting everyone out safely and calling 000.
Kitchens and appliances
Kitchens are a common starting point, with heat, appliances and power close together. Do not overload outlets with high-draw appliances, keep leads in good condition, and switch things off at the wall when not in use. Small habits meaningfully reduce the risk.
Why use a licensed electrician
After any electrical fire or scare, a licensed electrician should find and fix the cause, and check the rest of your wiring. A licensed electrician also handles the upgrades that prevent fires. The state’s Building and Energy sets the safety standards involved.
Worried about electrical fire risk in Perth?
ACS Electrical checks wiring and fixes faults across the metro. Explore our electrical burning smell guide, emergency electrician guide or electrical maintenance and repairs service. Call 0419 967 838.
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