What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?

The appropriate type of fire extinguisher for electrical fires is a Class C fire extinguisher. This classification is specifically designed to combat fires that involve electrical equipment and energized electrical systems. Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents, which help to suppress the fire without posing a risk of electric shock to the user.

Using the wrong type of extinguisher can be extremely dangerous; for example, a Class A extinguisher, which is suited for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, or a Class B extinguisher, which is intended for flammable liquids, may conduct electricity and increase the risk of injury in the event of an electrical fire. Similarly, Class D extinguishers are designed for fires involving combustible metals and are not relevant for electrical fires since they don't apply to the materials typically involved in electrical equipment.

Therefore, a Class C fire extinguisher is the most suitable and safe choice when responding to an electrical fire, allowing for effective fire suppression without the risk associated with conducting electricity.