Hamilton King - Regulations - Electrical Fire Safety Tips -- Electrical fires are very different from any other type of fire so it is very important to be familiar with the procedures for extinguishing them to avoid dangerous consequences. Go to http://www.hamiltonkingmanagementlimited.com/compliance-with-electrical-equipment-regulation/ for more about electrical safety and compliance with regulations.

1. Electrical Fires:
Do you know how to react?
Electrical fires can start for a number of reasons. Faulty
wiring, overloaded circuits, and defective products can
all contribute to the causes of electrical fires.

2. Causes of Electrical Fires
Defective Products - Counterfeit products can be found
in many legitimate stores. These knock-off brand-name
products are illegal but often the stores aren’t even
aware they are fakes. Unfortunately, these products
often don’t comply with even the most basic safety
standards and they can easily cause an electrical fire.
Overloaded Outlets -
Another common cause of
fires is overloaded electrical
outlets. Hair dryers, curling
irons and space heaters, can
easily overload a circuit. If the circuit breaker is faulty,
these hot appliances can easily catch fire.
Faulty Wiring - Electrical fires are also caused by faulty
wiring in the walls. When electrical currents pass through
wiring, they generate heat. The heat can cause the wiring
to contract and expand, which will eventually loosen the
wires. When this happens, the electricity can produce
heat in excess of 900 degrees Celsius which can quickly
ignite wood beams and supports.

3. Extension Cords - Extension cords that are frayed can
also start fires. To prevent this, don’t overuse extension
cords. Also, be certain not to run them behind your
furniture or under rugs.
What to Do if a Fire Starts
If you see smoke coming out of a wall socket, a fire has
probably already started behind the walls. Turning off
the power will cut off the source of the fire but don’t
assume it will stop it. Odds are the fire will still be
burning in the walls so it is important to leave the house
and call the fire brigade.
It is also important to know that water
will NOT put out an electrical fire.
It will, however, CAUSE ELECTROCUTION.
Chemical powders used to extinguish
other types of fires will also not be
effective. They can permit the fire
to smolder and flare up again.

4. This is why it is so important to have a Class
ABC fire extinguisher available and easily
accessible. Class C fire extinguishers will
put out an electrical fire. If you can’t get to
one during a fire, shut off your electric and
get out of the house immediately, then call
the fire brigade.
Electrical fires are very common and they are extremely
dangerous. Most electrical fires can be prevented by
taking care not to overload sockets and following the
advice given above on the use of extension cords. It is
also important to have electrical systems inspected
periodically, especially if you notice anything unusual.
The most important thing to remember when faced with
an electrical fire is that it is very different from any other
fire. Shut off the power and if you don’t feel you can
extinguish it safely – help everyone leave the premises
and call the fire brigade for help.
To learn more about compliance with regulations and electrical safety click here.