All fire is, of course, very dangerous. However, did you know that there are different types of fires and they can’t all be tackled with just a fire extinguisher? Well, a class E fire – an electrical equipment fire – is a fire caused by electricity. To find out more about what a class E fire is, how to prevent one and how to tackle them, continue reading our helpful guide.
Electrical equipment fire
An electrical equipment fire is known as a class E fire and it is a fire that is caused by electricity. Electrical fires are most common in commercial and residential settings.
So, what is a class E fire? It’s an electrical equipment fire caused by a failure or malfunction within the electrical components of machinery or a piece of equipment. Electrical fires originate from electric wires, circuit breakers and cables. A fire typically starts in an electrical panel from overloaded circuits or the ageing of the panel. The panel and circuits become overloaded when the distribution of electricity is inadequate.
Common causes of electrical equipment fire
Electrical systems pose a constant fire risk, even when your electrical equipment appears to be working correctly.
Here’s a list of the most common causes of fires caused by electricity:
- Poor maintenance
- Old appliances and equipment
- Not keeping up with safety codes
Poor maintenance
Poor maintenance is the leading cause of electrical equipment fire. Regular maintenance of electrical appliances and panels will reduce the overall risk of fire.
Maintenance includes inspecting and replacing any faulty circuit breakers, as well as removing any dirt or dust. Also, kinks in wiring can cause electrical resistance within the wire, which creates heat and can result in a fire being ignited.
Old appliances and equipment
Old electrical equipment is a known cause of fires, so it’s important during maintenance to notice anything that should be replaced. This includes internal electrical components, like panels and breakers, but also the appliances themselves. For example, an old washing machine poses a higher risk of fire than a new one. As a result, it’s important to replace outdated equipment.
Not keeping up with safety codes
It’s incredibly important to stay up to date with safety codes when it relates to electrical equipment. Failure to do so increases the risk of fire, putting people in danger.
For example, old wiring in a house that doesn’t support the current demand is very common in older houses and commercial buildings. Failure to notice this and replace the wiring system increases the risk of fire with every use of electrical equipment on the premises. To find old wiring or electrical systems that need replacing, property inspections can be extremely helpful.
How to tackle an electrical equipment fire
If the fire has originated from an electrical panel, do not try to put it out with water. Using water will only make the situation worse, making the fire stronger and putting people around you at more risk. The reason you shouldn’t use water on an electrical fire is because it’s a conductor for electricity, which can create severe electric shocks.
There are two options to successfully tackle an electrical equipment fire, and they are handheld fire extinguishers or an automatic fire suppression system. The correct fire extinguishers to use to extinguish an electrical fire are powder and foam extinguishers.
It should also be noted that you should call the emergency services immediately rather than attempting to tackle the fire yourself.
Further class E fire prevention with NW Fire Solutions
At NW Fire Solutions, we can offer comprehensive industrial fire risk assessments to ensure the safety of your building and its occupants, as well as commercial fire risk assessments.
As well as expert fire risk assessments, we also offer fire safety awareness training. These training sessions are essential for retaining a level of fire safety in the workplace. Basic fire awareness training is a fundamental training course for any business or organisation.
Our training course enables your staff to gain an appropriate understanding of fire safety in the workplace, their roles, responsibilities, and what safety measures should be in place to protect themselves and others.
If you would like to know more about us and the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 0151 665 0124 or email us at nfo@nwfiresolutions.co.uk.