Noida high-rise AC blast: How to prevent electrical fires at home, and what to do if one breaks out

A suspected air-conditioner-related fire in a high-rise residential tower in Noida on Monday has once again drawn attention to a growing summer hazard- electrical fires. A fire broke out in the 21st floor of at the Aranya Society in Sector 119 around 8:50 am. Fortunately, no casualties were reported after the family living in the apartment managed to evacuate safely before the flames spread.

While such incidents are often described as "AC blasts", several experts say they are usually the result of electrical faults, overheating or mechanical failures, rather than an explosion in the conventional sense. During heatwaves, air conditioners and other appliances work much harder, placing additional stress on compressors, wiring and electrical circuits.

More from Lifestyle

Here's how you can reduce the risk at home.

Why do electrical fires happen?

Electrical fires are commonly caused by one or more of the following:

-Overloaded circuits or extension boards

-Faulty or ageing wiring

-Loose electrical connections

-Poor-quality plugs or cables

-Air conditioners running continuously without maintenance

-Voltage fluctuations damaging electrical components

-Dust accumulation inside electrical appliances

-Improper servicing or refrigerant refilling in AC units

According to fire officials, many recent summer fires in Delhi-NCR have been linked to overworked or poorly maintained air conditioners.

How to prevent electrical fires at home

Service your AC before peak summer

Don't wait until the first heatwave. Annual servicing helps identify worn-out wiring, dirty filters, refrigerant leaks and overheating compressors before they become dangerous.

Don't overload sockets

Avoid plugging multiple high-power appliances into a single extension board or wall outlet. Air conditioners, microwaves, geysers and heaters should ideally have dedicated circuits.

Watch for warning signs

Switch off the appliance immediately if you notice:

-A burning smell

-Sparks

-Flickering lights when the appliance starts

-Unusual buzzing or crackling sounds

-The plug or socket becoming unusually hot

These may indicate an electrical fault that requires professional attention.

Keep filters and vents clean

Dust restricts airflow, forcing an AC to work harder and increasing the chances of overheating.

Use the right temperature

Running an AC continuously at extremely low temperatures places unnecessary strain on the compressor. Many experts recommend maintaining indoor temperatures between 24°C and 26°C, which is also more energy efficient.

Install surge protection if voltage fluctuates

Frequent power fluctuations can damage electrical appliances over time. A stabiliser or surge protector can help reduce that risk where appropriate.

Never ignore old wiring

If your home is decades old and hasn't had its electrical system inspected recently, consider getting a licensed electrician to check the wiring and circuit breakers.

What should you do if an electrical fire starts?

If a fire breaks out, you should immediately switch off the main power supply, but only if it is safe to reach the switch.

Never throw water on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity and can increase the risk of electrocution.

Use a Class C or multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher if the fire is small and you have been trained to use one.

Evacuate immediately if the fire begins spreading or smoke fills the room.

Call the fire department as soon as you are safely outside.

In apartment buildings, always use the stairs, never the lift, during a fire emergency.

If you suspect your AC is overheating...

Don't ignore it. If the unit smells burnt, becomes unusually hot, makes strange noises or repeatedly trips the circuit breaker, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power supply if it is safe to do so.

Avoid trying to repair it yourself. Modern air conditioners contain high-voltage electrical components and pressurised refrigerants that should only be handled by qualified technicians.

A little maintenance can prevent a major tragedy

As temperatures continue to soar, our dependence on cooling appliances is only increasing. But so is the pressure on electrical systems that often operate for hours without a break.

The Noida incident is a timely reminder that while we can't control the weather, we can reduce the risk by servicing appliances regularly, avoiding electrical overloads and acting quickly when warning signs appear. A few preventive checks today could help avert a devastating fire tomorrow.