This is a serious issue and a cause for concern. The National Fire Protection Association once reported that in 2011, an estimated 47,000 fires involved some electrical malfunction or failure – of which electric panel fire was one of such incidences. This resulted in over 400 deaths and up to $1.4 billion worth of properties damaged. 

Electrical panels, as well as their circuit breakers, can suddenly become fire hazards. Such incidences generally occur when they are not correctly installed or well-maintained. An electrical panel fire can also occur when the panels and breakers wear out over time. 

An electrical panel is the center of a building’s electrical system. If it is severely damaged by fire, it will be more significant downtime. This will be a considerable risk for those living in the building since it usually takes time to fix fire-damaged electrical panels. 

What is the First Thing to Do to Stop an Electrical Panel Fire? 

If there is an electrical panel fire in your building, do not panic, as this will not put out the fire. The first thing is to grab your phone and dial’ 911.’ Do this first; do not be too brave or think that you can put out the fire on your own unless you are a highly-trained fire-fighting fire professional, which may be unlikely. 

Moreover, there are several other ways you can utilize to prevent a raging electrical panel fire. Implement the following tips as they will help reduce the significant risks such an incidence represents before trained firefighters arrive at the scene: 

Tip 1: Never Use Water to Quench an Electrical Fire 

One thing you should never do, irrespective of the availability of the binary compound, is use water to suppress an electrical panel fire. 

You may not be conversant with the dynamics between electricity and water. But it is essential to point out that water is an excellent conductor of live electricity. 

Using water to douse an electrical panel fire, especially when the power is still live, puts you at significant risk of getting electrocuted as soon as the water interacts with electricity. 

Therefore, never use water to extinguish an electrical panel fire, no matter what. 

Tip 2: Do Not Use a Metal Spout or Nozzle When Attempting to Put Out an Electrical Panel Fire 

Do not attempt to extinguish an electrical panel fire – or any fire caused by electricity – by using a metal spout or nozzle, such as a metal sprinkler, etc. Metal is also another excellent conductor of electricity. When you insert a metal spout or nozzle into the ceiling in an attempt to extinguish the fire, you can worsen the entire situation, including getting yourself killed outright. 

Tip 3: Use Only a Class ‘C’ Fire Extinguisher to Douse an Electrical Panel Fire 

Numerous types of fire extinguishers exist to combat different fire situations. However, the Class C fire extinguisher for battling an electrical panel fire is the best type. 

The Class C fire extinguisher is specially designed to douse fires that draw on energized electrical equipment. The chemicals that make up the extinguisher will not react with the live electricity or harm the electrical components when putting out the fire. 

Tip 4: Operate the Fire Extinguisher by following the PASS Acronym 

If you have never operated a fire extinguisher before now, do not fret. It is simple, especially if you adhere strictly to the PASS acronym. 

Here’s how the acronym works: 

• P: Pull out the pin located at the top of the extinguisher to break the seal. 
• A: Aim the fire extinguisher at the source of the electrical fire, though at a safe distance. 
• S: Squeeze the black handle of the fire extinguisher to release a jet of the extinguishing or suppressing agent. 
• S: Sweep the fire extinguisher alternately left and right – concerning a central point – to address the source of the flames. 

What makes a fire extinguisher most helpful when an electrical panel fire erupts is when someone notices the fire almost as soon as it starts. Another drawback of using a fire extinguisher is that the person attempting to put out the fire must do so quickly and at a safe distance. 

Only a handful of people are usually brave enough to face an electrical panel fire with a mere fire extinguisher. 

Moreover, if the electrical panel fire starts and no one notices it, or even if they do but cannot get to the location of the fire extinguisher, the solution discussed here will not be feasible. 

Therefore, always look for odd smells that often emanate from burning cables. The more alert you are and those in the building, the easier it will be to spot an electrical panel fire so that it can be addressed quickly. 

Tip 5: Do This to Put Out an Electrical Panel Fire If There is no Fire Extinguisher Nearby 

What will you do if you cannot get to the fire extinguisher or there is none close by? The only option left is to target the renowned fire triangle: fuel, heat, and oxygen. No fire burns successfully if these three are absent. 

But in the case of an electrical panel fire, the fuel and heat originate from the power source. Therefore, the next best thing to do without a fire extinguisher is to switch off the power. 

 But if the fire keeps burning, another great option is to smoother the fire’s oxygen. You can do this easily with a fire blanket, a heavy piece of fabric that can effectively cover all the flame to put out the fire. 

However, this may not be possible if the electrical panel is set in the wall of the building. Someone also has to put themselves in harm’s way to deploy the fire blanket. 

This is why it is essential to always leave such aspects to Fraker Fire professionals who know how to deal with such issues with finesse. Fraker Fire will work to ensure no one is harmed while putting out the electrical panel fire efficiently and within a short time. 

Tip 6: Suppress an Electrical Panel Fire to Prevent It from Spreading 

The perfect way to deal with an electric panel fire so that it doesn’t spread is by suppressing it as close to the period of ignition. An automatic fire suppression system is usually activated by flames or heat. 

When fully activated, the fire suppression system immediately gives off a suppression agent, which helps extinguish the fire.  

A clean agent fire suppression system doesn’t conduct electricity. It uses a fire-suppressing agent that will never damage any equipment and leaves zero residues after use. It is also an environmentally-friendly substance and causes no harm to humans in any way. 

Conclusion 

Electric panel fires are among the most damaging causes of property loss and life. They can start anytime and anywhere, usually without warning or premonition. 

If you do not want to become a statistic, you need to adhere to the tips shared here for preventing an electrical panel fire. You can efficiently and effectively protect your electrical panel when you fully understand your options. This helps keep every individual within the premises safe. 

Contact Fraker Fire today with any questions.