Sudden AC fire on the go, smoke in the house, what causes it, how to prevent it?

By Sandy Verma On May 29, 2026

Air conditioners were running as usual. The householder was also enjoying himself. Before you know it, the AC is on fire, and the house is filled with smoke. And then, a terrible danger! This phenomenon is not rare. When AC is a daily necessity in middle-class homes in scorching heat, such incidents can happen. If the house is filled with smoke and fire, there is a possibility of burning. People can also die from suffocation.

Recently retired IAS and first chairman of CCI Dhanendra Kumar died due to AC explosion at his home. His son is under treatment. If you want to avoid sudden explosion of AC, you need to know why this can happen first.

If the AC is old, call an electrician before summer to find out how well it’s running.

The current temperature in Kolkata is 35 degrees, it often exceeds 40 degrees. The wind of the fan does not feel on the body. As a result AC is running for a long time in almost every house. However, to install air conditioners in houses made in old times, wood has to be burnt. That is, with the intermediate stabilizer installed, the power is being drawn from the extension cord. By doing so, the possibility of dire danger remains any day. Even if experienced electricians forbid doing this, it is often done.
Many people are not aware of the importance of AC servicing. If dust accumulates in the AC vents, the room does not want to cool. Conversely, if the temperature drops too much, the internal device overheats.
Many houses run AC for 12-14 hours at this time. Some houses run in more than one house. As the compressor cannot maintain this pressure, it can suddenly malfunction and catch fire.

why air conditioners catch fire and how to prevent — Get the AC serviced at the beginning of every summer. If not, don’t run, make up your mind.

How to live?

Get the AC serviced at the beginning of every summer. If not, don’t run, make up your mind.
Don’t run the AC with an extension cord. Consult a qualified electrician in such cases.
At the slightest burning smell, lightning, or the AC suddenly shuts off, be alert.
When running the AC, it is better not to ‘lock’ the door of the room. Keep it wet, so that in case of danger, it is easy to get out of the house.
If the AC is old, call an electrician before summer to find out how serviceable it is. Don’t risk losing your life while saving.