Wiktor Wise
Fire extinguishers are colour-coded to indicate which classes of fire they can be used on. Electrical fires are caused by electrical equipment, such as heaters, batteries, laptops, and photocopiers. Water fire extinguishers, identified by their red label, should not be used on electrical fires, as water is conductive and may cause further safety issues. Black-labelled CO2 fire extinguishers, on the other hand, are recommended for electrical fires as they do not damage electrical equipment. Blue-labelled dry powder extinguishers can also be used on some electrical fires, but they should not be used in enclosed spaces due to the hazard of inhaling the powder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Black |
| Label Colour | Yes |
| Type | CO2 fire extinguisher |
| Mechanism | Suffocates the fire by displacing oxygen |
| Classes of Fire | B, Electrical |
| Used On | Flammable liquids, Electrical equipment |
| Not Used On | Burning fats/oils, Burning metals |
| Used In | Offices, Kitchens, Server rooms, Vehicles |
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What You'll Learn
- Water extinguishers (red) are not suitable for electrical fires
- Foam extinguishers (cream) can be used on some electrical fires
- CO2 extinguishers (black) are suitable for electrical fires
- Water mist extinguishers (red) can be used on electrical fires up to 1000V
- Dry powder extinguishers (blue) can be used on electrical fires up to 1000V
Water extinguishers (red) are not suitable for electrical fires
Water extinguishers, which are labelled with the original 'signal red' colour, are unsuitable for electrical fires. This is because water conducts electricity, which can cause electric shock and make the fire worse. Water extinguishers are also ineffective at putting out fires involving flammable liquids and gases, as water can spread the fire.
Water extinguishers are the most common type of extinguisher for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles. They are the simplest, most common, and least expensive type of extinguisher, costing from around £25 for 3 or 6 litres, to £35 for 9 litres. They are also the easiest to maintain and the least hazardous, as they only contain water. They cool the fire by soaking it and the surrounding materials.
For electrical fires, CO2 extinguishers are the best choice. They are labelled in black and work by suffocating the fire, displacing the oxygen with non-conductive carbon dioxide to prevent the spread of electrical fire. They also cool the equipment, helping to prevent re-ignition. Since CO2 leaves no residue, it is ideal for use on sensitive electronic devices and machinery.
In some cases, water mist extinguishers can be used on electrical fires on equipment up to 1,000 Volts, such as computers and printers. They work by cooling the fire and reducing the oxygen supply. However, they are more expensive than water extinguishers, costing from around £50 for 1 litre to £100 for 6 litres.
Foam extinguishers can also be used on some electrical fires if they have been tested and are fired from 1 metre away. However, they leave a residue that has to be cleaned up, and they are more expensive than water extinguishers, at around £25 for 1 litre and £55 for 9 litres.
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Foam extinguishers (cream) can be used on some electrical fires
Fire extinguishers are colour-coded to indicate which classes of fire they can be used on. Electrical fires are classified as a unique category of fire, separate from classes A, B, C, D, and F. Foam extinguishers, identified by their cream colour, can be used on some electrical fires. However, it is important to note that they are not specifically designed for this purpose and there are certain risks associated with their use.
Foam extinguishers are primarily used for Class A and Class B fires, which involve combustible materials and flammable liquids, respectively. They contain 'Aqueous Film Forming Foam' (AFFF), which smothers the fire and seals in flammable vapours, preventing re-ignition. While foam extinguishers can be used on some electrical fires, they must be tested and fired from a distance of at least one metre to minimise the risk of electric shock.
The use of foam extinguishers on electrical fires depends on the specific circumstances. They should only be used on or near live electrical equipment if they have been di-electrically tested. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritise safety and evacuate the area if the fire is out of control. In such cases, do not attempt to fight the fire and immediately call the fire and rescue service.
It is worth mentioning that standard dry powder extinguishers, identified by their blue labels, can also be used on some electrical fires, typically up to 1000 volts. However, they are not recommended for enclosed spaces due to the difficulty in cleaning the residue and the potential hazard of inhaling the powder. For electrical fires, it is generally recommended to use CO2 extinguishers, which are black-labelled and designed to suffocate the fire by displacing the oxygen it needs to burn.
In summary, while cream-coloured foam extinguishers can be used on some electrical fires, it is important to prioritise safety and follow specific guidelines. It is recommended to pair foam extinguishers with CO2 extinguishers for a comprehensive approach to electrical fires. Additionally, consulting professionals for advice and training on using fire extinguishers is essential to ensure effective and safe fire management.
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CO2 extinguishers (black) are suitable for electrical fires
Fire extinguishers are colour-coded to indicate which classes of fire they are suitable for. Electrical fires are classified separately from fires involving combustible materials, flammable liquids, gases, metals, and cooking oils.
CO2 extinguishers, identifiable by their black colour, are suitable for electrical fires. They work by suffocating the fire and displacing the oxygen required for it to burn. This type of extinguisher is recommended for electrical fires because it does not damage electrical equipment or cause short circuits.
CO2 extinguishers can be used on electrical equipment such as computers, servers, laptops, and printers. They are suitable for use in modern offices, kitchens, and server rooms. However, they should be stored near fire exits or the source of a fire risk, as identified by a fire risk assessment.
It is important to note that CO2 extinguishers get very cold during discharge, and those without double-lined, frost-free swivel horns may cause fingers to freeze to the horn. Additionally, they should not be used in enclosed spaces as the carbon dioxide can be hazardous if inhaled in confined areas.
While CO2 extinguishers are effective for electrical fires, other types of extinguishers may also be suitable depending on the specific situation and fuel source. For example, water mist extinguishers can be used on electrical fires up to 1000 volts, and standard dry powder extinguishers can be used on electrical equipment up to 1000 volts.
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Water mist extinguishers (red) can be used on electrical fires up to 1000V
Water mist extinguishers are red and can be used on electrical fires up to 1000 volts. They are ideal for use on electrical equipment such as computers and printers. They are also suitable for use in kitchens, on fires involving cooking oils and fats, and on clothing fires without causing harm to the person. Water mist extinguishers are also environmentally friendly, containing no harmful substances, and leave no residue when discharged.
Water mist extinguishers are filled with de-ionised water, which cannot carry an electrical current. The microscopic droplets that form the mist are too small and too far apart for electricity to flow through them. This means that water mist extinguishers are safe to use on live electrical equipment, even up to 1000 volts.
Water mist extinguishers have passed the di-electrical conductivity test, which marks them as safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000 volts in accordance with BS EN3-7. This test involves using a very high voltage of 35,000 volts at a distance of 1 metre from the user and measuring the flow of electricity back to the extinguisher. As an added precaution, the extinguishers that pass the test are then limited to use on 1000 volts of live electricity.
Water mist extinguishers are also effective on Class A, B, C, and F fires, making them a versatile option for most premises. They work by cooling the fire and reducing the oxygen supply, and they are likely to replace wet chemical extinguishers for deep fat fryer fires.
It is important to note that standard water extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires, as water is conductive and may cause further safety issues.
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Dry powder extinguishers (blue) can be used on electrical fires up to 1000V
Fire extinguishers are colour-coded to indicate which classes of fire they can be used on. Electrical fires are classed as those caused by electrical equipment, such as heaters, batteries, laptops, and photocopiers.
Dry powder extinguishers, labelled in blue, are suitable for electrical fires involving equipment up to 1000 volts. They can also be used on fires involving flammable metals, liquids, solids, and gases. Powder extinguishers work by removing the heating element of the fire triangle, forming a crust that smothers the fire and prevents it from spreading.
However, the powder from these extinguishers can be hazardous if inhaled, so they should only be used in well-ventilated areas. They are not suitable for enclosed spaces or offices and homes. The powder also damages soft furnishings and machinery and requires extensive cleaning after use.
Other types of extinguishers suitable for electrical fires include carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers, which are black, and water mist extinguishers, which are also suitable for electrical fires up to 1000 volts. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen needed for the fire to burn and are safe to use on electrical equipment. Water mist extinguishers produce an ultra-fine mist of microscopic 'dry' demineralised water particles, cooling the fire and reducing the oxygen supply.
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Frequently asked questions
Water fire extinguishers are red and should not be used on electrical fires.
Foam fire extinguishers are cream and can be used on electrical fires if they have been tested and fired from a distance of 1 metre away.
CO2 fire extinguishers are black and are suitable for electrical fires.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are blue and can be used on electrical fires involving equipment up to 1000V.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are yellow and should not be used on electrical fires.
