Otis Singleton
Electrical fires require specific extinguishers, such as Class C, that use non-conductive agents to prevent electrical shock. Water and water-based foams are not suitable for electrical fires as they can conduct electricity, leading to a spread of electricity and a worse fire. CO2 extinguishers, on the other hand, are suitable as they displace the oxygen in the air with non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide, preventing the spread of electrical fire. Dry powder extinguishers are another option for electrical fires, but they leave a residue that can damage sensitive equipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | CO2, dry powder, dry chemical |
| Class | C |
| Mechanism | Displaces oxygen with non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide to prevent the spread of electrical fire |
| Suitable for | Electrical fires, burning liquids (Class B) |
| Not suitable for | Deep fat fryers, confined spaces |
| Precautions | Turn off the power source, stand 6-10 feet away, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the lever, sweep the nozzle from side to side |
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What You'll Learn
CO2 extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires
CO2 extinguishers are highly effective for electrical fires. They are designed for specific fire risks and are widely used in environments where electrical fires pose a risk, such as offices with a lot of electrical equipment, server rooms, industrial settings, and commercial buildings. CO2 extinguishers are also suitable for flammable liquid fires or 'Class B' fires, such as petrol, diesel, oil, solvents, and oil-based paints.
CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and rapidly cooling the fire, cutting off the flames' ability to spread. They smother the flames by displacing oxygen and eliminating the fire's fuel source without leaving behind any residue that could damage surfaces. This is important for electrical fires because the residue from other types of extinguishers can cause further damage to electrical equipment or cause the system to short circuit.
CO2 extinguishers are also a safe choice for electrical fires because carbon dioxide is a non-conductive extinguishing agent, so there is no risk of electrocution or short-circuiting. Water should never be used on electrical fires as it can lead to electrical shock or further damage to the equipment.
However, there are some important safety considerations when using CO2 extinguishers. They get very cold during discharge, and those that are not fitted with double-lined, frost-free swivel horns may cause cold burns if the user touches the horn during deployment. They can also create breathing hazards and risk asphyxiation in confined spaces. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when using CO2 extinguishers.
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Dry powder extinguishers can be used
Dry powder extinguishers are suitable for flammable liquids, gases, and electrical fires. However, they leave a residue that can damage sensitive equipment and create a mess. They are also hazardous if inhaled, so they should be used in well-ventilated areas and are not suitable for offices and domestic premises.
If you are 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. If the fire is too large or out of control, evacuate immediately.
Before attempting to fight the fire, make sure that the power source is turned off or disconnected if possible. This will reduce the risk of electrocution and reignition. Stand at a safe distance from the fire, usually about 6 to 10 feet away.
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Foam extinguishers are not recommended
When dealing with an electrical fire, it is crucial to use the right type of fire extinguisher. Using the wrong type can pose serious dangers and even worsen the situation. Foam extinguishers, for instance, are not recommended for electrical fires due to the risk of electric shock.
Foam extinguishers are designed to fight fires involving flammable solids and liquids, such as paper, wood, textiles, petrol, diesel, and paint. They work by forming a blanket over the burning material, cutting off the oxygen supply and cooling it down. However, when it comes to electrical fires, foam can conduct electricity, creating a hazardous situation. The possibility of electric shock poses a significant risk to the person operating the extinguisher and can even lead to severe injury or death.
Additionally, foam extinguishers can cause the fire to spread by dripping conductive materials onto electrical systems, creating short circuits. They can also damage electrical equipment irreparably, leaving behind a residue that is challenging to clean and potentially causing long-term harm to sensitive electronics. The residue can be especially problematic in offices, warehouses, factories, and other premises where foam extinguishers are commonly used for their versatility and effectiveness against flammable solids and liquids.
While some sources suggest that foam extinguishers can be used on electrical fires if they have passed a conductivity test, such as the 35kV test, it is generally advised to opt for extinguishers specifically designed for electrical fires, such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers or dry powder extinguishers. These extinguishers use non-conductive agents to safely suffocate the fire without the risk of electric shock or damage to electrical equipment. CO2 extinguishers, in particular, leave no residue, making them ideal for sensitive electronic devices and machinery.
In summary, while foam extinguishers are versatile and suitable for most premises, they are not recommended for electrical fires due to the risk of electric shock and potential damage to electrical equipment. To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is crucial to choose the right type of fire extinguisher based on the specific class of fire, with Class C extinguishers being the go-to choice for electrical blazes.
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Water extinguishers are dangerous
Water conducts electricity, which means that using a water-based fire extinguisher on an electrical fire can lead to electric shock and even make the fire worse. Water extinguishers are therefore not suitable for electrical fires and can be dangerous.
Water-based extinguishers are ideal for extinguishing organic fires, such as those involving burning paper, wood, textiles, or plastics. These are classified as Class A fires. However, they are not suitable for electrical fires, which require a different type of extinguisher.
Class C fire extinguishers are specifically designed for electrical fires and contain non-conductive agents to safely quench the flames without the risk of electrocution. These extinguishers use agents like carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemicals, which do not conduct electricity. CO2 extinguishers, for example, work by suffocating the fire and do not cause damage to electrical items or short circuits.
Using the wrong type of extinguisher on an electrical fire can have serious consequences. Water-based extinguishers can conduct electricity, leading to electric shock and potentially severe injury or even death. They can also cause the fire to spread by dripping into electrical systems and creating short circuits. As such, it is crucial to use only the appropriate fire extinguishers for electrical fires and to prioritize safety by waiting for the fire department to handle the situation if necessary.
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Class C extinguishers are the go-to
Electrical fires require specific extinguishers, such as Class C, that use non-conductive agents to prevent electrical shock. Class C extinguishers are your go-to for electrical fires. They are packed with non-conductive agents that can put out an electrical fire quickly and safely without the risk of electrocution.
Class C fire extinguishers use agents like carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemicals that don't conduct electricity, allowing you to safely extinguish the flames. CO2 works by suffocating the fire and does not cause damage to electrical items or cause the system to short circuit. It also cools the equipment, helping to prevent re-ignition. Since CO2 leaves no residue, it is ideal for use on sensitive electronic devices and machinery.
Class C fire extinguishers are the unsung heroes when an electrical blaze rears its ugly head. Unlike their Class A and B counterparts, these extinguishers use non-conductive materials to safely quench fires without adding to the danger. Electricity and water don't mix—if you throw water on an electrical fire, it can lead to a shocking escalation. Water conducts electricity, which can cause electric shock and make the fire worse. Water-based foams are also not capable of putting out Class C fires because they cannot counteract the constant electrical ignition source.
To use a Class C fire extinguisher, first, make sure that the power source is turned off or disconnected if possible. Then, stand at a safe distance from the fire, usually about 6 to 10 feet away. Check the label and the pressure gauge to ensure it is suitable for Class C fires and fully charged. Pull the pin and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever and sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out. If the fire is not out, back away and call for help.
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