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Fire Fighting Equipment That Can Be Used on Electrical Fires

Firefighters classify various types of fires by the fuels that feed them. The most common of these are Class A fires, which feed on solid fuels, such as paper, wood and plastics. Class B fires entail combustible liquids including kerosene, gasoline and certain solvents such as turpentine and alcohol. Fires driven by electrical devices are Class C fires. Because of the risk of electrocution, you should never use water to extinguish electrical fires. Combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, potassium and titanium feed Class D fires. Added to the list in 1998 are Class K fires, which are those that occur in kitchens.

  1. Chemical or Dry Extinguishers

    • Two types of dry extinguishers are available for home, office or business use. Those containing sodium or potassium bicarbonate are type BC extinguishers, for use on either liquid or electrical fires. Those containing ammonium phosphate are type ABC extinguishers and you can use them on solid, liquid or electrical fires. These are the safest to use on Class A and B fires, as they leave a residue on surfaces that discourage rekindling of the fire. They can also make quite a mess.

    Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

    • A better choice when fighting fires involving sensitive electronic devices is the CO2 extinguisher, as it leaves no residue that could harm delicate circuitry, though it can cause corrosion. Rated as type BC extinguishers, these work best on liquid and electrical fires, but if you use one on a solid fuel fire (Class A) the material in question might reignite. Never use a CO2 extinguisher on a Class D fire; the CO2 can react with burning metals, making the fire worse.

    Halotron II Extinguishers

    • Because the hydro-fluorocarbon contained in the Halotron I extinguisher was harmful to the earth's ozone layer, the Halotron II --- which is less damaging --- replaced the previous model and is a type ABC extinguisher, with reservations. Because the chemical within is still mildly toxic, you should use this extinguisher on type A and B fires only in open spaces. Because it is non-reactive, non-corrosive and leaves no residue, it is ideal for type C fires involving sensitive equipment such as computers and telecommunication electronics.

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