What Type of Fire Extinguisher Should Be Used for an Electrical Fire?

Always use the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires.

You must use the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires because there is a risk of electric shock. You should certainly never use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire as water is a good conductor of electricity. Always use carbon dioxide extinguishers or dry chemical extinguishers on electric fires. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher properly and knowing the correct extinguishers to use on different fires could save your life in emergency situations.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are labeled B type extinguishers and are filled with carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure. Carbon dioxide gas is nonflammable, and these extinguishers work by cutting out the oxygen that the fire needs to burn. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are red and are available in sizes from 5 to 100 lbs.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Dry chemical fire extinguishers are labeled C type and contain fire retardant chemical powders, using a nonflammable gas as a propellant. These extinguishers work by coating the electrical source of the fire with powder, stopping it from reacting with oxygen. The chemicals in these fire extinguishers are also good at halting the chemical reaction causing the fire. These extinguishers are red and are available in sizes from 5 to 20 lbs.

Multi-Purpose Chemical Extinguishers

Multi-purpose chemical fire extinguishers are dry chemical mix fire extinguishers and can be used on different types of fires. Some multi-purpose extinguishers are labeled for use on flammable liquid, type B fires and electrical, type C fires. Other multi-purpose fire extinguishers are labeled for use on ordinary combustible type A fires, plus type B and C fires. Multi-purpose chemical fire extinguishers work in the same way as the ordinary dry chemical extinguishers and are red in color, ranging in size from 5 to 20 lbs.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

If you discover a fire and are trained to use fire extinguishers, you should first pull out the pin on the extinguisher. Fires need oxygen and fuel to maintain growth, so aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire to extinguish the fuel. Squeeze the lever of the fire extinguisher slowly to release a steady stream of extinguishing agent. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, so you cover the whole fire with extinguishing agent. Ensure that you maintain your aim at the base of the fire. As the fire begins to diminish, move closer to it. Never turn your back on a fire until you are quite sure it has been completely extinguished.

References

• U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Extinguishers Basics
• Apartment Therapy: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
• Kids Health: Fire Safety
• Alabama Cooperative Extension Newsline: Knowing How and When to Use a Fire Extinguisher