Otis Singleton
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous, but knowing how to prevent and respond to them can save lives and property. It is important to use the right fire extinguisher for electrical fires to avoid further problems. Water-based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if they have passed a di-electrical test, but they are not suitable for use on fires involving flammable liquids and gases, as water can spread the fire or cause electric shock. CO2 fire extinguishers, or Type C extinguishers, are the best choice for electrical fires as they displace the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide to prevent the spread of electrical fire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher type | CO2, "Type C", dry powder, wet chemical |
| Suitable for | Electrical fires, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class F, fats and cooking oils, flammable liquids, flammable gases, burning metals |
| Not suitable for | Class A, confined spaces, other types of fires |
| Residue | CO2 extinguishers leave no residue, dry powder extinguishers leave a residue |
| Damage to equipment | CO2 extinguishers do not damage equipment, water and foam extinguishers may damage equipment |
| Safety standards | BS 5306-8, BS EN 3-7 |
| Voltage | Safe for use on low-voltage (less than 1000V AC) mains-fed electrical equipment |
| Distance | Safe for use at a distance of 1m or more from the fire |
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What You'll Learn
CO2 fire extinguishers are recommended for live electrical equipment
Fire safety is a critical aspect of protecting lives and properties. Electrical fires, in particular, require specific types of fire extinguishers to prevent further damage and injury. CO2 fire extinguishers, also known as "Type C" extinguishers, are highly recommended for live electrical equipment and fires.
CO2 fire extinguishers are effective in extinguishing electrical fires because they use non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide to displace the oxygen in the air, preventing the fire from spreading. This makes them ideal for use on live electrical equipment, as they do not conduct electricity and will not cause short circuits or damage equipment. Additionally, they leave no residue, making them a cleaner option compared to other types of extinguishers.
It is important to note that water-based extinguishers, including those that have been di-electrically tested and approved, are generally not suitable for live electrical equipment. While some sources suggest that water mist extinguishers can be used on electrical fires involving equipment with voltages up to 1000V, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines and seek expert advice to ensure safety.
Other types of extinguishers, such as foam and dry powder extinguishers, should be avoided when dealing with live electrical equipment. These extinguishers can leave behind residue or conductive materials, which can damage sensitive electronics and even contribute to the spread of the fire.
Always refer to local regulations and seek advice from fire safety experts to ensure you have the appropriate fire extinguishers for your specific needs.
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Water-based extinguishers must be di-electrically tested
Water-based fire extinguishers are generally not recommended for use on live electrical equipment due to the risk of electric shock. However, if a water-based extinguisher passes a di-electrical test, it can be used on live electrical equipment under certain conditions.
The di-electrical test, or dielectric test, is designed to verify whether a fire extinguisher can safely put out a fire on live electrical equipment without causing damage. The test involves subjecting the extinguisher to a very high voltage of 35,000 volts at a distance of 1 metre and measuring the flow of electricity back to the extinguisher. If the extinguisher passes this test, it is considered safe for use on live electrical equipment with a voltage of up to 1000 volts, provided a minimum distance of 1 metre is maintained between the extinguisher and the fire.
The BS EN3-7 standard, adopted by the UK as BS EN3, includes a 35kV dielectric test for water-based extinguishers in Clause 9. Passing this test confirms that the extinguisher can be safely used on live electrical equipment within the voltage and distance parameters specified. This standard also allows manufacturers to mark their products with a symbol indicating their suitability for use on live electrical equipment, providing clear guidance to installers, users, and purchasers.
It is important to note that the use of water-based extinguishers on live electrical equipment remains controversial, with some sources suggesting that only non-conductive extinguishing media, such as non-conductive powder, carbon dioxide, or other clean agents, should be used. Purified water, for example, can become electrically conductive when introduced to CO2, impurities from combustion products, and increased temperatures. As such, it is always recommended to seek guidance from fire safety experts or registered organisations to ensure the selection of appropriate fire extinguishers for specific premises and equipment.
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Water-based extinguishers are safe for use on low-voltage equipment
Water-based fire extinguishers are generally not recommended for use on electrical fires, as water conducts electricity. However, water-based extinguishers that have passed a di-electrical test are deemed safe for use on low-voltage (less than 1000V AC) mains-fed electrical equipment.
The di-electrical test uses a high voltage of 35,000 volts at a distance of 1 metre from the user and measures the flow of electricity back to the extinguisher. Extinguishers that pass this test are then approved for use on low-voltage equipment. Water mist extinguishers that have passed the di-electrical test are particularly safe, as de-ionised water cannot conduct electricity.
The internationally recognised product standard BS EN 3-7 states that water-based extinguishers are suitable for live electrical equipment as long as they have been di-electrically tested. Fire extinguishers that display a specific symbol have passed this standard test and are suitable for use on fires involving electrical equipment.
Water-based extinguishers that have passed the di-electrical test are safe to use on low-voltage equipment such as computers and printers. These extinguishers work by cooling the fire and reducing the oxygen supply. They are also recyclable and do not contain any chemicals.
It is important to note that the use of the wrong kind of extinguisher on the wrong type of fire can worsen the situation and contribute to the spread of the fire.
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Foam extinguishers can spread conductive materials
When dealing with electrical fires, it is crucial to use the right type of fire extinguisher to prevent the fire from spreading and causing further damage. Foam extinguishers, while effective against flammable solids and liquids, may not be the best choice for electrical fires due to the risk of spreading conductive materials.
Foam extinguishers work by smothering the fire and creating a barrier between the fuel source and the flames, which can be effective for certain types of fires. However, when it comes to electrical fires, the use of foam extinguishers can be problematic. Foam extinguishers can spread conductive materials, which means that they can cause the fire to spread to other areas by creating short circuits. This can lead to irreparable damage to electrical equipment and even worsen the fire.
It is important to note that electrical fires are unique in that they require non-conductive extinguishing media. Water-based extinguishers, for example, are not suitable for electrical fires because water conducts electricity and can cause electric shock or make the fire worse. Similarly, foam extinguishers can have a similar effect by spreading conductive materials and causing the fire to spread through electrical systems.
To effectively extinguish an electrical fire, it is recommended to use CO2 fire extinguishers or "Type C" labeled extinguishers. These extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents, such as carbon dioxide, to prevent the spread of the fire. They are specifically designed for electrical fires and are often found in environments with electrical equipment, such as data centers, offices, and construction sites.
While some sources suggest that foam extinguishers can be used on electrical fires if they have passed specific conductivity tests, it is generally advised to use extinguishers that are specifically designed for electrical fires, such as CO2 extinguishers. These extinguishers are proven to be safe and effective for electrical fires, minimizing the risk of electric shock and further damage to electrical equipment.
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Wet chemical extinguishers are for cooking oils and fats
Wet chemical extinguishers are the only type of fire extinguisher suitable for fighting fires involving cooking fats and oils. These extinguishers are designed to tackle Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, butter, and vegetable oil. Wet chemical extinguishers are perfect for kitchens and should be installed in areas where this type of fire is a common risk, such as restaurants, fish and chip shops, burger bars, and hotel kitchens.
Wet chemical extinguishers work by spraying a fine mist of potassium salts, which react to create a soapy film on the surface of the burning substance. This smothers the fire and creates a cooling effect. It is important to use these extinguishers carefully to avoid splashing burning fat or oil onto surrounding areas. The full content of the extinguisher should be discharged to ensure the oil or fat remains blocked from oxygen until it has cooled enough to prevent reignition.
Wet chemical extinguishers are also rated to tackle Class A fires, which involve flammable solids such as paper, wood, and textiles. Some wet chemical extinguishers are cleared for use on Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and paint. However, it is important to check the label or consult a fire safety professional before using them on this type of fire.
While water-based extinguishers are generally not recommended for electrical fires due to the risk of electric shock, some sources suggest that water mist extinguishers that have passed a di-electrical test are safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V at a distance of at least 1 meter. These extinguishers have been tested with 35,000 volts and are designed to prevent the flow of electricity back to the extinguisher.
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Frequently asked questions
Fire extinguishers that contain electrically non-conductive extinguishing media are suitable for use on live electrical equipment. CO2 fire extinguishers, also known as "Type C" extinguishers, are most effective in extinguishing electrical fires as they displace the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide. Water-based extinguishers that have passed a di-electrical test are also suitable for use on live electricity up to 1000V at a distance of at least 1m.
CO2 fire extinguishers are best suited for Class C fires, which involve flammable gases like methane, propane, and butane. They are also suitable for electrical fires as they do not damage electrical equipment.
Water fire extinguishers are designed for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and textiles. Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for Class A and Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, or diesel. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are designed for Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats.
