A study released by Abracopel (Brazilian Association for Awareness of the Dangers of Electricity) showed that Brazil has surpassed, for the third consecutive year, the mark of 2 accidents of electrical origin, highlighting the need for greater awareness about the risks of using energy in everyday life.
According to the "Yearbook of Accidents of Electrical Origin 2026 – base year 2025", the country recorded 2.232 incidents last year.
A large proportion of these accidents are associated with common everyday situations, such as work near power lines, construction activities, and improper use of electrical installations.
Electrical fires lead the number of recorded incidents, with 1.304 occurrences and 60 deaths. Electrical shocks, however, represent the most critical scenario in terms of severity, with a fatality rate close to 70%, totaling 646 deaths in 917 cases.
Abracopel organized the data into three main categories. Among them: electric shocks – including burns from electric arcs, fires of electrical origin, and accidents involving atmospheric discharges (lightning).
Electrical fires, often associated with overloads and short circuits, continue to rise. Last year, the number of incidents reached 1.304, compared to 1.186 in 2024, representing an increase of almost 10%.
The number of deaths resulting from these events also increased, rising from 50 to 60 in the same period, a 20% increase. On the other hand, accidents involving electric shock decreased compared to the previous year.
In 2024, 1.077 cases and 759 deaths were recorded, while in 2025 the numbers fell to 917 cases and 646 deaths, a decrease of approximately 15% in both indicators, according to the entity.
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Source: Abracopel
Another excerpt from the Abracopel survey shows changes in the state ranking of accidents involving electric shock recorded in 2025.
In 2025, Bahia regained first place in absolute numbers, with 99 incidents and 72 deaths. The state of São Paulo, which led the ranking the previous year, dropped to second place, totaling 87 accidents and 64 deaths.
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Source: Abracopel
Deaths
The study also reveals that overhead power lines and residential environments remain the main locations for accidents and deaths due to electric shock in Brazil. Power lines, in particular, present the highest severity, with 379 incidents and 242 deaths recorded in 2025.
Compared to 2024, there was an approximate 17% reduction in the number of accidents both on power lines and in homes. Despite the decrease, the indicators are still considered high and reflect the persistence of structural and behavioral risks.
Among the main factors is accidental contact with the electrical grid, usually associated with non-electrical activities carried out near the installations, such as civil construction work, installation of facades, signs, and telecommunications networks.
In residential settings, although a more significant drop of around 40% was recorded, the risks remain relevant.
In 2025, 195 accidents and 150 deaths were recorded. Among the main causes are unsafe practices, such as improper use of extension cords, lack of maintenance of installations, exposure of energized parts, interventions carried out by unqualified persons, and even the use of electronic devices while charging.
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