Why is water not suitable for extinguishing a live electrical fire?

Water is not suitable for extinguishing a live electrical fire primarily because it is a conductor of electricity. When water is used on an electrical fire, it can create a dangerous situation by allowing electrical current to flow through the water, which can lead to serious injury or death to anyone attempting to extinguish the fire, as well as potentially spreading the fire further.

Moreover, since water can conduct electricity, using it on a live electrical source can lead to electrical shock. This is particularly important in situations where the electrical source is still energized, as the water can create pathways for the electricity to travel towards a person or an unintended conductive surface.

Understanding this principle is crucial for safety measures and fire-fighting protocols. Special extinguishing agents are recommended for electrical fires, such as CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers, which do not conduct electricity and minimize the risk of electrical shock.