Electrical fires can start fast often from damaged electrical wires, overloaded circuits, or faulty appliances. Knowing what to do in an electrical fire helps you act safely and protect your property.
At Grammar Electrical, safety is at the core of everything we do. Here’s a simple guide on what to do for an electrical fire. It covers how to handle it and how to prevent electrical hazards before they start.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power (if it’s safe)
If you see smoke or sparks, switch off power at the main breaker immediately. This cuts electricity to the source and stops the fire from spreading.
Never touch live electrical wires or burning outlets. Only turn off the main switchboard if you can do so without danger.
Step 2: Never Throw Water on an Electrical Fire
Many people make the mistake of throwing water on an electrical fire, but that’s extremely dangerous. Water conducts electricity and can cause serious electric shock.
Instead, use a Class C dry-powder or CO₂ fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires. Aim at the base of the flames and spray in short bursts.
If the fire spreads or fills the room with smoke, evacuate immediately and call 111 for the fire service.
Step 3: Unplug Appliances (if possible)
Once power is off, carefully unplug nearby electrical appliances to eliminate further ignition sources. If cords are melted or sparking, stay back and wait for firefighters.
Step 4: Call the Fire Service and an Electrician
Even if the flames seem out, always contact the fire service. Electrical fires can smoulder inside walls and reignite later.
After the event of a fire, call Grammar Electrical. Our licensed electricians will inspect your system, check for damaged electrical wires, and repair or replace anything unsafe.
Common Causes of Electrical Fires
Understanding the causes helps you prevent electrical hazards:
- Frayed or overloaded electrical wires
- Faulty outlets or switchboards
- Outdated circuit breakers
- Moisture or dust inside sockets
- Overused extension cords
- Flickering lights and power surges
If you notice constant flickering lights, a burning smell, or warm outlets, switch off power and call an electrician immediately.
How to Prevent Electrical Fires
Prevention is always better than reaction. Simple steps can drastically lower your risk:
- Avoid overloading outlets or power boards
- Replace damaged plugs and electrical wires
- Unplug appliances not in use
- Schedule professional inspections every 2-3 years
- Install smoke alarms and test them monthly
- Keep a Class C extinguisher near kitchens or switchboards
Routine electrical maintenance by Grammar Electrical helps identify hidden issues and prevent electrical fires before they start.
After an Electrical Fire
Once it’s safe:
- Keep the power off until an electrician inspects it.
- Report damage to your insurer.
- Replace burnt outlets and electrical wires.
- Schedule a safety check to prevent future issues.
Our Registered Electricians can restore your power safely and ensure your home meets NZ electrical standards.
Stay Safe with Grammar Electrical
Knowing what to do in an electrical fire can save lives, but true safety starts with preventing hazards before they begin. If you’ve noticed sparks, burning smells, warm outlets, or flickering lights, it’s time to have your system checked by a professional.
Grammar Electrical offers 24-hour Emergency Electricians who can respond quickly to urgent issues, along with scheduled inspections, rewiring, and full safety assessments to keep your property protected.
Call us today on 09 884 6611 or book online and save $15 to keep your home or business safe, compliant, and powered with confidence.
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Same Day Service Guarantee - Terms & Conditions
The "Same Day Service Guarantee or it's Free" applies to:
a. Residential work and Commercial only.
b. Jobs specified as needing same day service when booking a job by phone or online.
c. Residential and Commercial work booked with Grammar Electrical:
i) Before 11:00AM
ii) For calls or online bookings received after 11:00AM, the customer will be offered a job. Booking for the next business day and normal callout fees ($170+ GST) will apply.
iii) Any other jobs booked outside business hours (9:00AM - 5:00PM Monday- Friday) will incur after hours charges.
iv) This offer is excluded for jobs booked on New Zealand public holidays.
d. If Grammar Electrical are unable to attend on the same day (within 24 hours) for a job booked by the customer, the standard callout fee of $170 + GST will be waived and is free, but all other normal charges, fees and expenses will apply to perform the Electrical Services and to provide any products/materials concerning those services.
e. The Standard Callout Fee will be deducted from your bill as long as you pay within your invoice's due date. The callout charge is applicable if your invoice is overdue.
f. If Grammar Electrical are willing and able to perform the Service or provide the Goods on the same day the job is booked, however the Customer for whatever reason does not give access to their property on the day, Grammar Electrical will be deemed to have complied with it's "Same Day or it's Free" guarantee and shall be entitled to charge the customer the standard call-out fee.
g. This offer is not a guarantee of work being completed. The completion of the job will depend on stock availability and also the amount of work required.