Which type of fire extinguisher should be used for an electrical fire?

The appropriate fire extinguisher for an electrical fire is one categorized under Class C. This classification is specifically designed for fires that involve electrical equipment, such as wiring, circuit breakers, and appliances. The extinguishing agents used in Class C fire extinguishers are non-conductive, which is crucial because using water or other conductive materials on an electrical fire can lead to serious electric shock hazards and further exacerbate the fire.

In general, Class C extinguishers often contain agents like carbon dioxide or dry chemical powders, which effectively interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire without posing a risk to the electrical components involved. Recognizing the specific class of fire is important because other classes, such as A, B, and D, are intended for fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and combustible metals, respectively, and are not suitable for electrical fires.