What should I do if my isolation switch catches fire – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

**An isolation switch catching fire is a serious electrical emergency — here is what you need to know and do.**

**Immediate steps to take:**

- **Call 999 immediately** — do not delay, even if the fire appears small

- **Evacuate everyone** from the property without stopping to collect belongings

- **Do not touch the switch** — it may be live and conducting heat or flame

- Only cut power at the **main consumer unit (fuse board)** if it is safely accessible without entering a smoke-filled or flame-affected area

- **Never use water** on an electrical fire — use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher only if trained to do so and the fire is very small

**What causes an isolation switch to catch fire?**

Isolation switches (also called isolator switches or main switches) can catch fire for several reasons:

- **Loose terminal connections** — the most common cause, creating resistance, heat, and eventual ignition

- **Overloading** — drawing more current than the switch is rated for

- **Age and deterioration** — older switches may have degraded insulation or contacts

- **Poor or DIY installation** — incorrectly rated or poorly terminated equipment

- **Moisture ingress** — particularly in outdoor or garage consumer units

**After the fire service has attended:**

- Do **not** restore power under any circumstances until a qualified electrician has inspected the installation

- Request an **EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)** to a

Need a qualified electrician in North London?

Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.