Wiktor Wise
Electrical fires can be extremely dangerous, but knowing how to respond to them can save lives and property. It is important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher when dealing with electrical fires. Water-based extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires as water conducts electricity and can cause electric shock. The best type of fire extinguisher to use on live electrical equipment is a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher, also known as a Class C extinguisher. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen around the fire and smothering it. They are ideal for electrical fires because they leave no residue and do not damage electrical equipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher type | Carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical, non-conductive powder, water mist |
| Fire type | Class C, Class F |
| Suitable for | Electrical fires, flammable gases, cooking oils, deep fat |
| Working | Displacing oxygen, smothering fire, interrupting chemical reaction, creating a barrier |
| Not suitable for | Class A fires, confined spaces, Class D fires |
| Safety measures | Disconnect/isolate equipment before use, maintain a safety distance of 1m, use on low-voltage (<1000V) equipment |
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What You'll Learn
- Water-based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if they've passed a di-electrical test
- CO2 extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires
- Dry chemical extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire
- Foam extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires
- Water extinguishers can cause electric shock
Water-based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if they've passed a di-electrical test
Water is a conductor of electricity, and as such, water-based fire extinguishers are generally unsuitable for use on live electrical equipment. Using water on electrical equipment can cause electric shock.
However, purified water (e.g. distilled, deionized, or demineralized) can be used to fight fires involving electrical equipment. The introduction of CO2 from the air, impurities from the products of combustion, and an increase in temperature cause the purified water to revert to its natural state, becoming electrically conductive.
Therefore, water-based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if the water has been purified and passed a dielectric test. A dielectric test involves applying a higher-than-normal voltage to electrical components to detect any current flaws or leaks through the insulation. This test is performed to determine the breakdown voltage at weak spots and verify that the insulation sufficiently protects users from electrical shock.
If a water-based extinguisher has passed a dielectric test, it can be used on live electrical equipment, as the water has been proven to be electrically non-conductive under normal operating conditions. However, it is important to note that even with purified water, there is a risk of electrical conductivity, and therefore, the use of electrically conductive extinguishing media could result in electrocution.
It is recommended to use non-conductive extinguishers, such as those containing non-conductive powder, carbon dioxide, or other clean agents, for live electrical equipment. These extinguishers are specifically designed to fight electrical fires and will not cause electrocution or damage to electrical equipment.
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CO2 extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires
When it comes to live electrical equipment, it is crucial to use the right type of fire extinguisher to prevent injuries and protect property. CO2 extinguishers, also known as carbon dioxide extinguishers, are the recommended choice for electrical fires. They are suitable for fires involving electrical equipment, such as computers, generators, and live cables.
CO2 extinguishers are effective in fighting electrical fires because they discharge carbon dioxide gas at high speed, displacing the oxygen around the fire and effectively suffocating it. This non-conductive media ensures that the fire is extinguished without causing further electrical hazards or damaging electrical equipment. Additionally, CO2 extinguishers leave no residue, making them ideal for use on sensitive electronics.
It is important to note that CO2 extinguishers should only be used on small, contained fires as they discharge very quickly. They are not suitable for use in confined spaces due to the risk of asphyxiation, as carbon dioxide can be poisonous at high concentrations. Before using a CO2 extinguisher, it is recommended to disconnect or isolate the electrical equipment if it is safe to do so.
While CO2 extinguishers are ideal for electrical fires, they may not be suitable for all types of fires. They are not effective against Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles. Additionally, they should not be used on chip pan fires or deep fat fryers as the strong jet of CO2 can spread the burning fat or oil.
To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, it is always recommended to consult with a BAFE SP101 Registered Organisation to determine the appropriate fire extinguishers for specific premises and fire risks.
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Dry chemical extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire
When fighting a fire, it's important to use the right type of fire extinguisher, especially when dealing with live electrical equipment. Water-based extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires as water conducts electricity and can cause electric shock.
Dry chemical extinguishers are a safe option for electrical fires. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire. The powder in a dry chemical extinguisher coats the surface of the fire, breaking the chain reaction of liquid and gas fires. This type of extinguisher is also suitable for Class A, B, or C fires, depending on the label. Class A fires involve combustibles like wood, leaves, fabrics, solid plastics, paper, or cloth. Class B fires involve flammable liquids, greases, and oils. Class C fires involve live electrical equipment.
The two types of dry chemical extinguishers include one that contains ordinary sodium potassium bicarbonate, urea potassium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride base agents. The original dry chemical extinguishing agent was sodium bicarbonate, which has a high electrical resistivity and is non-toxic. The chemical now available is a mixture consisting primarily of sodium bicarbonate with additives to improve flow and storage characteristics. The second type is a multipurpose extinguisher containing an ammonium phosphate base. This type of extinguisher can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.
It is important to note that dry chemical extinguishers should not be used on cooking fires involving grease or electrical equipment over 1000V. They are also not suitable for enclosed spaces or for use around people with upper respiratory conditions due to visibility issues and potential respiratory irritation.
Other suitable options for electrical fires include carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers, which are ideal as they leave no residue and do not damage electrical equipment.
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Foam extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires
Foam extinguishers are not recommended for electrical fires. While they can be used on some electrical fires, they must be used from a distance of at least one metre to minimise the risk of electric shock.
Foam extinguishers work by forming a blanket over burning material, cutting off the fire's oxygen supply and cooling the material. However, they can conduct electricity, and using them on electrical fires can result in electric shock to the operator. They can also spread conductive materials, causing the fire to spread. Additionally, they leave a residue that can damage sensitive equipment and create a mess.
For these reasons, it is recommended that CO2 or dry powder extinguishers are used for electrical fires. These extinguishers use carbon dioxide, a non-conductive gas that displaces oxygen around the fire, suffocating it. CO2 extinguishers also cool the equipment, helping to prevent re-ignition, and leave no residue, making them ideal for use on sensitive electronic devices and machinery.
Before any extinguisher is discharged onto live electrical equipment, the equipment should be disconnected or isolated to prevent the risk of electrocution.
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Water extinguishers can cause electric shock
Water conducts electricity, which means that using water-based extinguishers on live electrical equipment can cause electric shock and make the fire worse. This is why it is generally advised to not use water extinguishers on electrical fires.
However, some sources note that water-based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if they have passed the di-electric test 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. Any water-based extinguisher that passes this test is deemed suitable for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000 volts at a distance of at least 1 metre.
It is also important to note that even if a water-based extinguisher has passed the di-electric test, it should not be used on electrical equipment if the voltage is above 1000 volts. In such cases, it is recommended to use non-conductive extinguishing media, such as non-conductive powder, carbon dioxide, or clean agents. These types of extinguishers are considered safe to use on live electrical equipment and effectively extinguish electrical fires by displacing the oxygen around the fire and cooling it without leaving any residue or damaging electrical equipment.
While water extinguishers can be effective for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles, they are not suitable for electrical fires due to the risk of electric shock. Instead, CO2 extinguishers are recommended for electrical fires as they are non-conductive and can effectively extinguish the fire without causing electric shock or damaging equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers, or "Type C" or "Class C" extinguishers, are the best choice for electrical fires. These extinguishers use non-conductive agents, such as carbon dioxide, to displace the oxygen in the air and prevent the fire from spreading.
Water conducts electricity, so water-based extinguishers are generally not suitable for electrical fires. However, some water mist extinguishers that have passed a di-electrical test are considered safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000 volts from a distance of at least 1 metre.
Water-based extinguishers that have not passed a di-electrical test should not be used, as well as foam-type extinguishers, which are ineffective against flammable liquids and gases and can spread electrical fires.
Using the wrong extinguisher can worsen the fire and contribute to its spread. For example, using water on an electrical fire can cause electric shock.
Ensure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for the relevant class of fire. CO2 extinguishers should be used for electrical fires, as they are non-conductive and will not damage electrical equipment. Follow the PASS technique for effective use.
