Electrical Fires: Causes, Warning Signs & How to Put Them Out Safely
- Luke Herman
Electrical fires are one of the most dangerous types of house fires because they often start quietly, spread quickly and can’t be put out the same way as a normal flame. In Perth, many electrical fires are linked to ageing wiring, overloaded power boards, old appliances or DIY electrical work that isn’t up to Australian standards. The good news? With the right knowledge, most electrical fires can be prevented — and if one does break out, knowing how to respond may save your home or even your life.
Below, we break down the common causes of electrical fires, the early warning signs, and exactly how to extinguish an electrical fire safely (plus what not to do).
What Is an Electrical Fire?
An electrical fire is a fire that starts when electricity overheats, arcs or creates enough heat to ignite surrounding materials. Instead of starting with visible flames, these fires usually begin inside wiring, appliances, switchboards or power points — often hidden behind walls or inside ceilings.
What makes electrical fires so dangerous is that they don’t behave like normal fires. Even if the flames die down, the electrical current can continue feeding heat into the source, causing the fire to reignite. And because the fire is energised, you cannot extinguish it with water or anything that conducts electricity. Doing so can make the fire flare up or put you at risk of electrocution.
Electrical fires often start quietly, spread quickly and require specialised extinguishers or professional help. Understanding what they are — and how they differ from ordinary flames — is the first step in keeping your home safe.
What Causes Electrical Fires?
Electrical fires almost always come back to heat, overload or a damaged component that ignites nearby materials. In Perth homes, these are the most common causes:
- Overloaded Power Boards and Double Adapters
Plugging in too many appliances causes heat to build up. Older Perth homes with limited power points often rely heavily on power boards, making overloads more likely. - Damaged or Frayed Cords
A cracked charger cable or a frayed extension cord can spark internally. If it’s resting on carpet, curtains or bedding, it can ignite before anyone notices. - Faulty Appliances
Heaters, ovens, air fryers, kettles, fridges and older dryers can all fail electrically. Motors, heating elements and internal wiring commonly cause electrical fires. - Ageing Wiring in Older Homes
Homes built before the 1990s may have wiring that’s become brittle or unsafe. Perth’s hot summers can accelerate degradation, especially in roof cavities. - Wrong Light Bulb Wattage
Using a globe that’s too strong for the fitting can overheat the fixture and ignite insulation or the light enclosure. - Space Heaters and Fan Heaters
These draw a lot of power and are notorious for causing electrical fires when plugged into power boards instead of a wall outlet. - Faulty Switches, Sockets or Loose Connections
Wobbling power points or sparking switches indicate poor contact — heat gradually builds until something catches alight. - DIY Electrical Work
Any unlicensed electrical work is dangerous. Incorrect wiring, loose terminals or poorly installed appliances can lead to catastrophic fires.
Can You Smell an Electrical Fire Before It Starts?
Often, yes — and recognising these early smells can be the difference between a close call and a house fire.
Electrical fires rarely begin with visible flames. Most start quietly, with overheating wires or components hidden behind walls, ceilings or inside appliances. Because you can’t see the problem, smell becomes the first and most important warning sign.
You may notice:
A burning plastic smell
This is the most common indicator. Wiring insulation or appliance casings begin to melt long before they ignite.
A fishy or chemical odour
This is caused by arcing — when electricity jumps between damaged or loose connections. Many people describe it as a “fish smell” or a strong chemical scent.
A hot, metallic scent
Overloaded circuits, failing motors or overheating transformers can give off a warm, electrical smell even when they appear to be working normally.
A faint smoke smell even though nothing is visible
Because wiring is behind walls or under flooring, smoke may not appear until the fire has already grown.
These smells come from materials heating up, melting or beginning to burn. They’re your early warning system.
If you ever notice one of these smells:
- Turn off the appliance immediately (if safe).
- Shut off the circuit at the switchboard.
- Cutting the power prevents further overheating.
- Do not reuse the outlet or device, even if the smell goes away.
- Electrical faults don’t “fix themselves”.
- Call a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
In many Perth homes — especially older ones — wiring issues can smoulder invisibly for hours. The smell may be the only clue something dangerous is happening inside your walls.
If something smells “off”, trust your instincts. Electrical fires almost always give warnings.
What If I Smell Something Burning but Nothing Looks Wrong?
This situation is incredibly common — especially in older Perth homes — and it’s one of the biggest reasons electrical fires go unreported until they become serious. Many people hesitate to call an electrician because they’re worried it’s “nothing,” or they don’t want to pay a call-out fee for something small.
But here’s the truth: a burning smell with no visible source is one of the strongest early warning signs of an electrical fire.
Electrical faults often hide inside:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Roof cavities
- Behind appliances
- Inside switchboards
So you may smell something long before you ever see smoke or flames.
If you notice a burning, plastic, fishy, or hot metallic smell but can’t find the cause:
Turn off the appliance or switch off the circuit at the switchboard
If the smell stops after the power is cut, that’s a strong indication of an electrical issue.
Do not continue using the socket or device
Even if the smell goes away, the fault is still there.
Check for heat
Light switches, power points and appliance plugs that feel warm or hot to the touch should be treated as a red flag.
Call a licensed electrician
A quick inspection now is far cheaper and safer than dealing with a house fire later.
Trust your instincts
Most electrical faults do not “fix themselves.” They smoulder for hours or days before igniting.
Worried it will be a false alarm?
Even if nothing is wrong, electricians would always prefer to check a harmless burning smell than attend a preventable fire. It’s far better to be cautious — especially in Perth suburbs where many homes have wiring over 30–40 years old.
If something smells off, don’t ignore it. Electrical fires almost always start with a smell long before they produce flames.
How Do I Put Out an Electrical Fire?
Electrical fires behave differently from normal fires, so the way you put them out must be different too. If a fire starts from wiring, appliances or electrical faults, your number one priority is to keep yourself safe. Only attempt to extinguish it if the flames are small, contained and you have the correct equipment.
1. Switch Off the Power (If You Can Safely Reach It)
If the fire is coming from an appliance, pull the plug out or switch it off at the wall only if it’s safe to approach.
If not, go directly to your home’s switchboard and turn off the circuit breaker for that area.
Cutting the power stops the fire from feeding on live electricity and reduces the chance of reignition. This is particularly important in older Perth homes where wiring behind walls or in roof spaces may already be stressed or deteriorated.
2. Use a Class E Dry Powder or CO₂ Extinguisher
For electrical fires, these are the only safe extinguisher types:
- Class E Dry Powder Extinguisher – best general-purpose option for homes, sheds and workshops
- CO₂ Extinguisher – ideal for electronics, computers and appliances because it leaves no residue
Stand at a safe distance, aim at the base of the flames, and sweep side to side.
Dry powder works by smothering the fire and cutting off oxygen. CO₂ displaces oxygen around the flames and cools the ignition point.
If the fire does not begin to shrink immediately, stop and evacuate.
3. If You Don’t Have the Right Extinguisher
Do not attempt to fight the fire with water, a fire blanket or anything that could conduct electricity.
Instead:
- Evacuate the home
- Close doors behind you to slow the spread
- Keep everyone a safe distance away
Electrical fires can escalate fast because wiring runs through walls and ceilings. Even small-looking fires may be burning inside cavities you can’t see.
4. Call 000 Immediately
Even if the fire appears small or goes out quickly, always call emergency services. Firefighters can detect lingering heat, damaged wiring and hidden flames that could restart later.
If Clothing, Carpet or Furniture Is Burning
Burning soft furnishings or clothes may tempt you to smother the flames, but never use anything conductive or moisture-based near live electrical sources.
Avoid:
- Water
- Hoses
- Buckets
- Wet towels or cloths
- Fire blankets touching live equipment
- Metal tools
- Anything plugged in
This prevents electrocution, which is just as dangerous as the fire itself.
What Fire Extinguisher Should You Use for Electrical Fires?
Class E Dry Powder Extinguishers (Recommended for Electrical Fires)
A Class E dry powder extinguisher is the most reliable and widely used option for electrical fires. These extinguishers release a fine powder that works by smothering the fire and breaking the chemical reaction at its core. Because the powder is non-conductive, it won’t carry electrical current, making it safe to use even while the power is still on.
This is the extinguisher most Perth households choose because:
- It’s affordable and easy to find
- It works on multiple fire types (not just electrical), making it versatile
- It doesn’t require you to get dangerously close to the flame
- It can put out fires involving appliances, wiring, switchboards and power tools
It does leave a bit of residue behind, but that is a small price to pay for stopping an electrical fire quickly.
CO₂ Fire Extinguishers (Suitable for Sensitive Electronics)
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are also safe for electrical fires, especially where equipment is delicate — think computers, servers, TVs, audio equipment or medical devices. CO₂ works by displacing oxygen, starving the fire of the air it needs to burn.
People often choose CO₂ extinguishers because:
- They leave no residue (great for electronics)
- They work fast on small, enclosed electrical fires
- They don’t damage equipment the way powder can
However, they have limitations. CO₂ extinguishers are less effective outdoors or in open areas because the gas disperses quickly, and they may not tackle a larger fire as well as powder can.
Fire Extinguishers to Avoid for Electrical Fires
Using the wrong extinguisher can turn a small electrical fire into a severe emergency.
Avoid:
Water extinguishers
Water conducts electricity. Spraying a live electrical fire with water risks shock, fire spread, and serious injury.
Foam extinguishers
Foam can also conduct electricity and is not designed for live electrical equipment.
Wet chemical extinguishers
These are made for cooking oil and fat fires — and can react badly with electrical components.
Even if these extinguishers work perfectly well for other fire types, they are not safe around electricity.
If You Don’t Have an Extinguisher
If you’re caught without the right extinguisher:
- Turn off the power at the switchboard (only if it’s safe)
- Use a fire blanket on very small fires
- Evacuate immediately if the fire is spreading or producing heavy smoke
- Call 000
Electrical fires move quickly and unpredictably — always put personal safety first.
Electrical fires are preventable, but only if the early warning signs are recognised and the right safety steps are taken. Whether it’s a strange burning smell, a flickering power point or an overloaded power board, small clues can point to bigger problems hiding inside your walls. If you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts and call a licensed electrician before a minor fault becomes an emergency.
Staying informed, keeping your home’s wiring up to date and knowing how to respond safely gives you the best chance of stopping electrical fires before they start — and protects the people and property you care about most.