Preventing electrical fires at home – practical recommendations
Fire prevention in practice
1) Core idea: charge safely, monitor the situation, detect early
Most electrical fires in homes are related to the use and charging of electrical devices. In Finland, rescue services report thousands of electrical fires and fire hazards in buildings every year. About a quarter of them progress to structures – meaning early detection is crucial. Lithium-ion batteries (phones, headphones, electric bikes) are becoming more common in residential environments, and unattended charging increases the risk. Therefore, the basic strategy is: charge while awake, keep the charging point on a non-flammable surface, and ensure that smoke alarms are working .
2) Charging practices (small actions, big impact)
- Charge while you are awake, not at night. Unattended overnight charging increases the risk of fire; it is better to charge in the evening before going to bed.
- Keep away from textiles and soft surfaces. Do not charge on a bed, sofa or between pillows. Use a hard, non-flammable surface.
- Use a charger and cable approved by the device/manufacturer. Avoid cheap or uncertified accessories.
- Do not block ventilation. Leave space around the device, especially with protective cases or charging docks. (General recommendation for battery fire safety.)
- Keep charging away from exit routes. Do not charge in hallways or near staircases – in the event of a fire, the route may become blocked. This is especially true with larger batteries (e-bikes, e-scooters)
3) Chargers, extension cords and electrical safety
- Do not chain extension cords or overload junction boxes. Check the temperature of the plugs and use intact, CE-marked products (basic prevention of electrical fires).
- Unplug the charger when not in use. A faulty charger is a different risk than the battery itself – phone-specific protection solutions do not protect against charger failures.
- Replace broken or pinched wires immediately. Mechanical damage increases the risk of short circuits and overheating.
4) Warning signs – when should you stop using it?
Stop using and move the device to a safe location if you notice any unusual heating, swelling, smoke, burning smell, clicking/hissing noise or deformation. Do not charge a damaged battery. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and dispose of defective batteries properl
5) If the battery catches fire – what to do?
If the fire is in the device/battery and it is safe to leave, unplug the charger from the wall. The primary extinguishing agent for a lithium-ion battery is large amounts of water (cooling); dry chemical may smother the fire for a short time but will not cool it, and re-ignition is possible. Evacuate and call for help if the fire cannot be brought under control immediately.
6) Detect early – fire alarms correctly
The legal minimum (at least one / 60 m² / floor) is often not enough. SPEK recommends a smoke alarm in every bedroom and hallway/exit route - in practice also in the living room, and on all floors near the staircase. Test the devices regularly and replace the batteries/sensors according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7) Larger batteries (electric bikes, scooters, tools)
- Charge in an open, well-ventilated area, not in the exit routes of the apartment.
- Avoid DIY charging solutions. DIY power supplies and faulty chargers are overrepresented in accidents.
- Follow the manufacturer's temperature ranges and store in a cool, dry place. Do not charge in freezing or hot conditions.
8) Recycling and storage
Defective or end-of-life batteries belong to the SER/battery collection, not to mixed waste. Incorrect storage and disposal increases the risk of fire, e.g. during transport and in the waste chain. Store batteries separately from flammable materials, at room temperature and in a dry place.
9) Layered protection: how to combine methods smartly
- Prevention: proper chargers, intact cables, charging while awake and on a non-flammable surface.
- Limiting the impact: non-flammable charging surfaces and, if necessary, product-specific solutions to the phone battery risk. Remember that phone/battery-specific protection does not cover charger failures or electrical failures of other devices.
- Detection and response: sufficient number of smoke alarms in the right places, initial extinguishing equipment easily accessible, and instructions for a fire situation.
Checklist
- Charge while you're awake, not at night – on a non-flammable, hard surface.
- Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and undamaged cables.
- Keep charging away from exit routes (hallway, staircase).
- Stop using the device if it becomes unusually hot, swells, or smells.
- If the battery catches fire: disconnect the charger if you can and cool with plenty of water . Get out and call for help if necessary.
- Install and test smoke alarms: bedrooms + hallway/exit route (+ living room).
- Take defective/old batteries for collection – do not store or dispose of them incorrectly