Molly Ayala
Electrical fires are a common occurrence, often caused by overloaded sockets, frayed cables, or malfunctioning equipment. It is crucial to know how to handle them to prevent injuries and save property. When dealing with electrical fires, it is essential to use the correct fire extinguisher to avoid further problems and electrocution. Water or foam extinguishers should be avoided as they can conduct electricity and spread the fire. Dry powder or carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are the most suitable for electrical fires as they can smother the flames and displace oxygen without causing electric shock. However, it is important to note that dry powder extinguishers may leave a residue that can damage sensitive equipment, and CO2 extinguishers should not be used in confined spaces due to the risk of asphyxiation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fire extinguisher | CO2, Dry Powder, Water Mist, Lith-Ex |
| Type of fire | Class C, electrical |
| Fire extinguisher colour | Black label and hose (CO2), Blue label (Dry Powder) |
| Fire extinguisher cost | £30 to £85 for smaller models, complete systems can cost from £500 to £1,750 |
| Fire extinguisher weight | 600g to 12kg |
| Fire extinguisher pressure | Needle set in the green zone |
| Fire extinguisher use | Pull out the safety pin or ring, squeeze the lever to discharge the contents |
| Fire extinguisher placement | Near fire risks or fire doors in rooms with electrical appliances and equipment |
| Fire extinguisher safety | Avoid using in confined spaces due to the risk of asphyxiation or suffocation, avoid holding by the horn to prevent freeze burns |
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What You'll Learn
- CO2 extinguishers are effective for electrical fires
- Dry powder extinguishers are versatile and suitable for electrical fires
- Water extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires
- Foam extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires
- Wet chemical extinguishers are now safe for electrical equipment risks
CO2 extinguishers are effective for electrical fires
CO2 fire extinguishers, also known as "Type C" extinguishers, are highly effective in extinguishing electrical fires. They are designed to displace the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents, such as carbon dioxide, to prevent the spread of electrical fires. This mechanism ensures that you won't experience an electric shock while trying to put out the fire.
CO2 extinguishers are ideal for electrical fires because they leave no residue and do not damage electrical equipment. This is especially important when dealing with sensitive or expensive devices, as the residue from other types of extinguishers can be difficult to clean and may cause long-term damage.
Additionally, CO2 extinguishers are versatile and can be used on Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, or diesel. However, it's important to note that CO2 extinguishers are not suitable for Class A fires, which include ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles. They should also be avoided in confined spaces due to the risk of asphyxiation.
When using a CO2 extinguisher, remember to follow the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Always ensure that you are in a safe position and can evacuate if needed. Additionally, always try to disconnect the power source to the electrical device if it is safe to do so, as this can help stop the fire from spreading.
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Dry powder extinguishers are versatile and suitable for electrical fires
When dealing with an electrical fire, it is crucial to remain calm and quickly assess the severity of the fire. If it is a small, manageable electrical fire, you may be able to extinguish it safely. The first step is to disconnect the power source to the electrical device causing the fire by unplugging the device or turning off the power at the circuit breaker.
Dry powder extinguishers, also known as ABC or multi-purpose fire extinguishers, are versatile and suitable for electrical fires. They are identifiable by their blue label, which says "Powder". These extinguishers contain a powder that smothers the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply and preventing its spread. They are suitable for Class A, B, and C fires, which include ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles, as well as flammable liquids and gases.
However, it is important to note that dry powder extinguishers leave a residue that can damage sensitive equipment and create a mess. Additionally, they should not be used in enclosed spaces due to the risk of inhaling the chemical powder.
When using a dry powder extinguisher, remember to use the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Always ensure that you position yourself between the fire and a safe exit so that you can evacuate safely if needed.
Other suitable extinguishers for electrical fires include carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers, which are highly effective but come with handling risks, and water mist extinguishers, which differ from traditional water extinguishers that can be dangerous for electrical fires.
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Water extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires
Water extinguishers are designed for Class A fires, which involve combustibles like wood, paper, textiles, and plastics. They are the simplest, most common, and least expensive type of extinguisher, costing around £25 for a 3- or 6-litre model. Water extinguishers are easy to maintain, safe, and effective, and they are often found in shops, offices, schools, and hotels.
However, water extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires. Electrical fires do not have their own class, but a fire extinguisher must have passed a conductivity test to be used near electrical equipment. Water conducts electricity, so using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire can cause electric shock and make the fire worse. Water can also spread the fire by dripping into electrical systems and creating short circuits.
CO2 extinguishers are the best option for electrical fires. They displace the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide, preventing the spread of electrical fires. CO2 extinguishers also cool the equipment, helping to prevent re-ignition, and they leave no residue, making them ideal for sensitive electronics.
While some modern foam extinguishers are safe for incidental electrical risks, they can conduct electricity and cause hazards. They also leave a residue that must be cleaned up, and they are more expensive than water extinguishers. Dry powder extinguishers are another option for electrical fires, but they also leave a residue that can harm sensitive electronics and are difficult to clean.
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Foam extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires
Foam extinguishers are not generally suitable for electrical fires. While some modern types are safe for incidental electrical risks, they are not explicitly designed for this purpose.
Foam extinguishers can be used on Class A fires involving flammable solids, such as paper, wood, and textiles, as well as Class B fires, which are caused by flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, and paint. However, when it comes to electrical fires, there are safer alternatives.
Using a foam extinguisher on an electrical fire can be dangerous as it may conduct electricity and cause shock or electrocution. The foam can spread conductive materials, potentially resulting in irreparable damage to electrical equipment. Additionally, foam extinguishers leave a residue that must be cleaned up, and they are more expensive than water extinguishers.
For electrical fires, it is recommended to use CO2 or dry powder extinguishers. CO2 extinguishers use carbon dioxide, a non-conductive gas, to displace the oxygen around the fire, effectively suffocating it. They also cool the equipment, helping to prevent re-ignition, and leave no residue, making them ideal for sensitive electronics. Dry powder extinguishers, on the other hand, form a crust that smothers the fire and stops its spread.
It is important to note that water-based extinguishers should also be avoided for electrical fires as they can conduct electricity and cause electric shock.
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Wet chemical extinguishers are now safe for electrical equipment risks
When dealing with electrical fires, it is important to use the right type of fire extinguisher to prevent the fire from spreading and to avoid causing further damage. Water or foam extinguishers, for instance, should never be used for electrical fires as they can conduct electricity and cause shock or electrocution.
Wet chemical extinguishers, also known as F Class extinguishers, are specifically designed for Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats. They contain a solution that reacts with the burning oil to form a thick, soapy layer on the surface, cutting off the oxygen supply and cooling the oil. While they are highly effective in commercial kitchens, they are not suitable for other types of fires.
In recent years, however, many models of wet chemical extinguishers have been deemed safe to deploy against incidental electrical equipment risks. Water-based extinguishers, for example, can now tackle electrical fires due to their discharge nozzle design, while water mist extinguishers are also suitable for use on electrical equipment up to 1,000 Volts. These water-based extinguishers are likely to replace wet chemical extinguishers for the extinction of deep fat fryer fires, as they leave no residue or collateral damage.
It is important to note that not all fire extinguishers are compatible with all types of fires. Therefore, it is crucial to read the label carefully and choose the right fire extinguisher for the situation.
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Frequently asked questions
CO2, dry powder, water mist, or Lith-Ex extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires. Foam, water, or wet chemical extinguishers should not be used as they can conduct electricity and cause shock or electrocution.
A small electrical fire is one that hasn't had the chance to spread. If it is safe to do so, disconnect the power source to the electrical device causing the fire.
Position yourself between the fire and a safe exit so you can evacuate if you can't extinguish the fire or it spreads. Select a suitable extinguisher and check that the pressure gauge needle is set in the green zone. Direct the nozzle straight at the fire and pull out the safety pin or ring. Then squeeze the lever to discharge the contents.
