Which type of fire extinguisher is most effective for electrical fires?

The CO2 extinguisher is most effective for electrical fires because it works by displacing oxygen and lowering the temperature of the fire without leaving any residue that can cause further damage to electrical equipment. CO2 is non-conductive, making it safe to use on live electrical equipment, which is crucial since using water or other extinguishing agents could lead to electrical shock or short-circuiting.

When combating electrical fires, it’s important to choose an extinguisher that will not conduct electricity and that can effectively put out the fire without harming the equipment. Unlike foam, water, or wet chemical extinguishers that can introduce moisture and potentially conduct electricity, CO2 extinguishers are specifically designed to handle such delicate situations safely and effectively.