In-Flight Electrical Fires

The in-fight electrical fires safety brief helped me understand how to recognize the symptoms of in flight electrical fires as well as what to do and what not to do in the event of an electrical fire.  The article showed that there might be different procedures for dealing with electrical fires in different airplanes as well as different considerations for ways to handle electrical fires for different situations, such as flying VFR vs IFR.  One procedure this article really stressed was not to reset circuit breakers unless it is absolutely necessary.  Although i knew you should limit the number of times that you reset circuit breakers I thought it was a helpful that this article stressed that you should not reset a circuit breaker if you do not have to because of the dangers of that causing a fire or damaging electrical components.

A short circuit i an electrical circuit that allows current to travel along an unintended path.

Our procedure differs from the articles quick check list in that Westminster's procedures says immediately turn off the battery master, alternator, all electrical switches, radio master, and cabin heat instead of trying to talk to atc and identify the individual problem.

In the future I will  be aware of the symptoms of an electrical fire to try to avoid a big electrical fire that can be very dangerous. This article showed that events such as the GPS temporarily failing or multiple circuit breakers popping are symptoms and precursors to a big electrical fire and require immediate attention and recognition.  If I do experience an electrical fire then I will follow the appropriate checklist for the airplane to try to resolve the situation and minimize the damage.