What Causes Electrical Fires?
Electrical fires often start due to faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged appliances, or malfunctioning electrical devices. These issues can go unnoticed for long periods, but once an electrical arc or heat builds up, it can ignite nearby materials and rapidly spread.
Immediate Steps to Take When You Discover an Electrical Fire
1. Cut Off Power Supply
If safe, immediately turn off the power at the breaker panel to stop the electrical current fueling the fire.
2. Do Not Use Water
Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire — water conducts electricity and can cause shock or spread the fire.
3. Use a Class C Fire Extinguisher
Use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires (Class C) to safely put out the flames. Make sure to aim at the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion.
4. Evacuate and Call 911 if the Fire Is Uncontrollable
If the fire is spreading or you cannot extinguish it quickly, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Suitable for Electrical Fires
- Class C Fire Extinguisher: Specifically designed for electrical fires.
- Multi-purpose ABC Extinguisher: Can also be used on electrical fires and other common types.
Comparison Table: Fire Extinguishers for Electrical Fires
| Fire Extinguisher Type | Suitable For | Key Features | Typical Cost Range |
| Class C | Electrical Fires | Non-conductive extinguishing agents | $30 – $100 |
| ABC Multi-Purpose | Electrical & Others | Versatile for different fire types | $25 – $90 |
| CO2 | Electrical Fires | Leaves no residue, non-conductive | $50 – $150 |
Safety Tips to Prevent Electrical Fires
- Schedule regular electrical inspections.
- Avoid overloading outlets or circuits.
- Replace damaged wiring or appliances promptly.
- Use certified electrical products.
- Keep flammable materials away from electrical equipment.
Why Choose Excel Electric for Electrical Safety and Repairs?
Licensed Electricians in Longmont, CO
Our experts provide thorough safety inspections and quality electrical repairs to prevent fire hazards. With local knowledge and code expertise, we ensure your home or business meets the latest fire safety regulations.
Emergency Electrical Services
We respond quickly to urgent electrical problems to protect your home and family.
Comprehensive Safety Solutions
From wiring upgrades to surge protection, we help keep your electrical system safe and reliable.
Additional Electrical Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners
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Install Smoke Detectors: Make sure you have working smoke detectors near electrical-heavy areas like laundry rooms and garages.
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Use Smart Plugs: These devices can monitor electricity usage and prevent overheating.
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Avoid Daisy-Chaining Power Strips: Plugging multiple extension cords together is a major fire hazard.
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Check for Heat: Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch could be signs of underlying problems.
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Hire a Licensed Electrician: Don’t rely on DIY repairs — trust only a licensed electrician for safety inspections and repairs.
Areas of the Home Most at Risk for Electrical Fires
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Kitchens: Due to high-powered appliances.
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Garages: Often overloaded with tools and extension cords.
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Bedrooms: Overused outlets and space heaters pose risks.
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Attics and Basements: Wiring may be outdated or damaged.
Excel Electric performs room-by-room evaluations and customizes safety strategies for every environment.
The Importance of Electrical Fire Prevention in Longmont Homes
As homes age in the Longmont area, so do their electrical systems. Electrical fire prevention in Longmont begins with up-to-date inspections and proactive service. Excel Electric helps homeowners avoid common hazards through education, upgrades, and compliant installations.
We also support landlords and property managers in maintaining safe environments across multiple units or buildings.
When to Call for Emergency Electrical Services
Not all signs of an electrical issue lead to a fire, but many should be treated with urgency:
- Burning smell from outlets or wiring
- Flickering lights on multiple circuits
- Repeated circuit breaker trips
- Buzzing or sparking near the panel
For emergency electrical services in Colorado, Excel Electric offers rapid dispatch, full diagnostics, and immediate repairs to eliminate hazards before they escalate.
Additional Measures for Fire Safety Preparedness
Being prepared goes beyond knowing how to extinguish an electrical fire. It involves implementing safeguards, education, and routine oversight to ensure your space is as fire-resistant as possible.
Create and Practice an Evacuation Plan
Every home or business should have a mapped evacuation route. Ensure all family members or employees know how to exit the building safely in case of fire. Practice evacuation drills twice a year, focusing on rooms with high electrical loads.
Install Fire-Rated Electrical Enclosures
In areas like garages or industrial spaces, using fire-rated panels and junction boxes helps contain electrical fires and prevents their spread.
Upgrade Wiring in Older Homes
If your property is more than 30 years old, the wiring system may not support the load of modern appliances and devices. Outdated wiring increases the risk of short circuits and electrical arcing — both leading causes of electrical fires. Excel Electric specializes in evaluating older systems and recommending targeted upgrades.
Educate Tenants or Family Members
Awareness is a key aspect of prevention. Teach everyone in the home not to overload sockets, avoid using faulty chargers, and recognize the smell of burning plastic or hot wiring. In rental properties, property managers should provide fire safety materials and request regular safety checks.
Conduct Seasonal Safety Checks
Electrical fires can be more common in winter due to space heaters, or in summer due to AC load. Excel Electric offers seasonal check-ups that focus on high-risk appliances, circuits, and wiring stress.
By implementing these additional strategies, you create a safer, more resilient environment and significantly reduce the risk of devastating electrical fires.
Partnering with Excel Electric for Fire-Resistant Infrastructure
In addition to responsive service and emergency support, Excel Electric takes a proactive role in designing fire-resistant infrastructure. Our team works closely with homeowners, builders, and business owners to ensure every component of their system helps reduce the chance of electrical fires.
Fire-Rated Cable and Conduit Installation
We use UL-listed, fire-rated cables and metal conduits in sensitive areas to limit flame spread and sustain circuit integrity during a fire event. This is especially valuable in basements, garages, and multi-unit dwellings.
Custom Load Balancing and Circuit Design
Overloaded circuits are a top cause of electrical fires. Excel Electric engineers balanced loads tailored to your home’s appliance layout and typical usage, reducing the risk of tripped breakers, overheating, or melting insulation.
Safety Labeling and Panel Diagrams
Knowing what each breaker powers can save valuable seconds during an emergency. We provide clear labeling and updated diagrams for your breaker panel, empowering faster and safer decisions in moments of crisis.
GFCI and AFCI Protection Where It Matters Most
We install Ground Fault and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters in high-risk locations to reduce both electrocution and fire risk. These devices are required by modern code in many areas and provide peace of mind in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
From consultation to post-installation support, our commitment is to provide comprehensive, code-compliant solutions that genuinely protect your space.
Community and Commercial Fire Safety Outreach
At Excel Electric, our mission goes beyond individual service calls — we believe in fostering community-wide awareness about electrical fire safety. Our outreach efforts are designed to empower homeowners, tenants, and business owners with the knowledge and tools to prevent fires before they start.
Fire Safety Workshops and Events
We partner with local organizations, HOAs, and city initiatives in Longmont to deliver free fire safety education workshops. These events cover real-world case studies, live demonstrations of fire extinguisher use, and Q&A sessions with licensed electricians.
Commercial Facility Risk Assessments
Business owners can benefit from on-site risk assessments tailored to their commercial space. Whether you're managing a restaurant, warehouse, office, or retail space, we identify potential hazards and recommend upgrades, such as surge protectors, arc fault interrupters, and upgraded electrical panels.
Fire Safety Signage and Resources
Excel Electric provides commercial clients with custom signage, including breaker panel diagrams, extinguisher placement guides, and electrical shut-off labels. These small additions can dramatically improve response times during emergencies.
Educational Materials for Landlords
We assist landlords by providing tenant-friendly fire safety guidelines that can be included in lease agreements or welcome packets. These materials help prevent fires caused by overloaded circuits, improper appliance usage, or negligence.
By taking an active role in community safety, Excel Electric helps build a culture of prevention — one that saves lives and protects property.
Fire Safety for Homeowners: A Shared Responsibility
Ensuring fire safety is a joint effort between electricians and residents. Fire safety for homeowners means staying informed, maintaining systems, and recognizing early warning signs. Homeowners should:
- Regularly test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Avoid overloading outlets with high-wattage appliances
- Schedule routine inspections with a licensed electrician
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all electrical devices
At Excel Electric, we empower homeowners with the tools and knowledge they need to keep their families safe. Our team not only installs fire-safe infrastructure but also educates clients on proper usage and maintenance.
Electrical Wiring Fire Hazards to Watch For
One of the leading causes of house fires is faulty or aging wiring. Electrical wiring fire hazards include:
- Frayed or exposed wires behind walls or under floors
- Aluminum wiring in older homes is more prone to overheating
- Overcrowded junction boxes
- Poor DIY repairs that lack proper insulation or grounding
If your home is more than 25 years old, Excel Electric strongly recommends a full wiring inspection. We identify areas of concern and offer safe, code-compliant upgrades to prevent electrical fires before they start
FAQs
How do you extinguish an electrical fire?
Cut the power to the affected area and use a Class C or ABC-rated fire extinguisher. Never use water.
How should an electric fire be put out?
First, cut power if safe. Then use a dry fire extinguisher or evacuate and call 911.
What kind of fire extinguisher for electrical fire?
Class C is ideal; ABC and CO2 extinguishers are also safe for electrical fires.
Ensure Fire Safety Year-Round. Contact Excel Electric Today for Inspections and Electrical Fire Prevention Services in Longmont!
