Electrical fires often start inside walls, panels or appliances, and they can spread smoke and toxic residue from burning plastics through the home. Electrical fire damage restoration cleans smoke and soot, removes damaged materials and works with a licensed electrician so wiring is safe before power is restored.
Burning wire insulation leaves a sticky, strong smelling residue that needs specialist cleaning.
When you need electrical fire damage restoration
- After a fire from an outlet, panel, wiring or appliance
- A burning plastic smell after a small fire
- Soot around outlets or switches
- Before power is turned back on
What the job involves
- Make sure power is off and the home is safe.
- Have a licensed electrician inspect and repair wiring.
- Remove damaged drywall and materials.
- Clean soot and residue, and deodorize.
- Rebuild and pass inspection.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- How far smoke spread
- Wiring repairs and permits
- Drywall and insulation removal
- Deodorizing the home
Insurance
Electrical fires are usually covered by homeowners insurance as a sudden event. The insurer may also look at the cause, so keep the electrician’s report.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license water damage or fire restoration companies. Ask about IICRC certification, insurance and references instead.
- Electricians are licensed in every state Sifixit covers, such as by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or California’s C 10 license.
Read our guide: signs of dangerous wiring.
Local help for electrical fire damage restoration
- Fire damage restoration in Houston, TX
- Fire damage restoration in Minneapolis, MN
- Fire damage restoration in San Antonio, TX
- Fire damage restoration in Colorado Springs, CO
- Fire damage restoration in Dallas, TX
- Fire damage restoration in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Quick answers: electrical fire damage restoration
What should I do after an electrical fire?
Keep the power off, call the fire department if needed, then a licensed electrician and a restoration company.
Is it safe to turn the power back on?
Only after a licensed electrician inspects and repairs the wiring.
Does insurance cover electrical fires?
Usually, as a sudden event.
Why does the smell linger?
Burning plastics leave sticky residue that needs specialist cleaning.
Who restores electrical fire damage?
A fire damage restoration company working with an electrician. Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
Looking for electrical fire damage restoration? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the National Fire Protection Association.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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