A fire can break out anywhere at any time based on the circumstances. And a suitable fire extinguisher is essential for such a situation. There are different types of fire extinguishers available in the market for different kinds of fire. So what type of extinguisher will you use on an electrical fire?

If an electrical fire breaks out at your home, you need to use a Type E fire extinguisher. Electrical fires can escalate quickly, hence it is important to first recognize the source of electricity and shut it off immediately. This source can provide the fire with more ignition and the fire can turn into a different type of fire depending on what type of surrounding it is in. A few power sources that can lead to electrical fires are damaged power cord, faulty wiring, short circuit and overloaded electrical device.

The best type of fire extinguisher for electrical fire is the Type E extinguisher as it includes suppressing agents that work efficiently on such fires. An electrical fire extinguisher that includes carbon dioxide also works well to put out such fire. Carbon dioxide can suppress any type of fire quite instantly as it takes the oxygen source away from the fire.

Here’s a brief detail about the best type of fire extinguisher for electrical fires:

• Dry Powder Extinguishers

Dry Powder Extinguishers are also known as ABC extinguishers since they are used for A, B and C classes of fire. The label color for this extinguisher is blue. Dry powder extinguishers can be used to put out electrical fires; however, they should be used in a space that is well ventilated as inhaling the powder can be harmful. This extinguisher can be used for electronic equipment of up to 1000V.

Dry powder fire extinguishers remove the heating elements from the fire, hence it puts out the fire easily.

• Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

A carbon dioxide extinguisher is the most common fire extinguisher for electrical fire. The label color of this extinguisher is black. Offices, computer rooms, technical equipment stores and many such places where there is a risk of the short circuit have the CO2 extinguisher installed.

Various automatic fire extinguishers can also be used for electrical fires. These types of extinguishers activate automatically on detection of fire and put it out effectively.

Using the right type of fire extinguisher is vital to efficiently put out the fire. Make sure you have a suitable extinguisher for electrical fire installed in your premises where there can be a risk of electrical fires to avoid any damages in the future.