Summary: Class A and Class B fire extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires. Instead, Class C fire extinguishers are used because they contain materials like dry chemicals or CO2 that do not conduct electricity, allowing them to extinguish flames without risking electric shock.

Electrical fires are common causes of home fires. Out-of-control electrical fires should prompt the homeowner to evacuate and call 911. But manageable fires can be put out with a fire extinguisher. It’s critical to use the right type of fire extinguisher to avoid spreading the fire.

A fire extinguisher is effective in squashing the flames and even saving lives—but only if the right one is used. A wide assortment of fire extinguishers is available, but each is intended for use on specific types of fires, such as those caused by flammable liquids or electronics.

Classification of Fires: Understanding the Five Types

1. Class A fires are those caused by combustible materials, like paper or wood.
2. The fuels in Class B fires include flammable liquids, like petroleum or paraffin.
3. Electrical equipment, like old space heaters, electrical power tools, or kitchen appliances, causes Class C fires.
4. When metals, like aluminum and magnesium, burn, they lead to Class D fires.
5. Lastly, cooking fires, such as those fueled by cooking oil, grease, and fats, are categorized into Class K fires. Cooking fires are the most difficult to manage because they can spread quickly.

What Type of Fire Extinguisher is Best for Electrical Fires?

In order to put out a fire safely, it is important to use a fire extinguisher that is intended for a specific class of fire. For example, using a water-based fire extinguisher on an electrical fire is dangerous, as water conducts electricity; the result is severe electrical shock.

An electrical fire is safely extinguished by using a carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher. A CO2 fire extinguisher is effective in not only putting out the flames in an electrical fire but minimizing the risk of damage to the electrical components in the devices.

A CO2 fire extinguisher works by suffocating the flames. It eliminates the oxygen (one of the three components in a fire, the other two being heat and fuel) in an electrical fire. The pressurized carbon dioxide emitted from the extinguisher is cold, so it cools the fuel source, as well.

Which Type of Fire Extinguisher Will Damage Electronic Components and Why?

Electrical components may be at risk when the wrong type of fire extinguisher is used to put out the electrical fire. Water-based extinguishers are not safe to use for Electrical Fires.  As mentioned, they are highly conductive. When used on electrical fires, they can cause short circuits and electrical shock.

Dry chemical extinguishers are not recommended for use on electrical fires, as they leave behind a corrosive residue. The powder in dry chemical extinguishers has the potential to damage the highly sensitive electronic circuits or components. However, the user does not risk electrocution.

CO2 extinguishers are safe to use on electrical fires as they minimize the risk of damage to electronics. However, they can lead to thermal shock of sensitive electrical components. This is due to the rapid cooling effect of the carbon dioxide as it is released during the fire extinguishment process.

How Should an Electrical Fire Be Extinguished?

Prior to using a fire extinguisher, it is important to be trained in how to use it. Plus, the fire extinguisher should only be used once a fire escape route has been identified. Sometimes mishandling can cause damaging effects on health, as you may inhale chemical fumes. If unsure of how to use a fire extinguisher, evacuate the building immediately and call 911.

• If the electrical fire is small, unplug the electricity source fueling the flames. Implement the PASS method when using the CO2 fire extinguisher. PASS is an acronym for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. By remembering and following this acronym, a small electrical fire can be safely extinguished.
• Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher to break the tamper seal. Aim the nozzle toward the base of the flames (be careful to avoid touching the horn on the CO2 extinguisher, as it can become extremely cold and damage the skin). Remain at least three feet away from the flames.
• Squeeze the handle to release the pressurized carbon dioxide. Sweep in a horizonal motion at the base of the fire (the fuel source) until the fire is extinguished. When attempting to put out a fire, do not use more than one extinguisher for safety reasons.

What are Fire Safety Tips to Protect Electronics?

Maintain electrical systems, outlets, and wiring to prevent electrical fires. Unplug devices during an electrical fire if it can be done safely; this minimizes risk of damage to the devices and prevents electrical surges. Regularly back up important electronic data to reduce loss in the event of a fire emergency.

Use surge protectors to protect electronics. Keep electronic devices away from flammable materials. Keep CO2 fire extinguishers near electrical equipment to use if a small electrical fire erupts. Read the label to become familiar with how to use an extinguisher before it is needed.

The right fire extinguisher can squash manageable flames. However, when the fire blazes out of control, call the fire officials. Once the fire is extinguished, consult fire damage restoration experts to restore your home to its pre-loss condition.

Do you Have the Class C Fire Extinguisher?

Having a Class C fire extinguisher is essential for most homes and offices, primarily due to the higher likelihood of electrical fires occurring in such environments. Electrical fires can result from various factors, including overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, damaged electrical cords, and malfunctioning appliances. These fires can quickly escalate, posing a significant risk to property and lives. Therefore, having a Class C fire extinguisher on hand is crucial for promptly addressing electrical fires and preventing them from spreading. It provides a specialized and safe means of extinguishing such fires, utilizing non-conductive extinguishing agents to effectively suppress the flames without posing a risk of electric shock.

Electrical Fire Causes Smoke and Soot Damage

Do not delay beginning the fire damage cleanup. Soot and smoke damage spread rapidly, leaving permanent destruction in their wake. Homeowners are advised to consult fire damage cleanup services within 72 hours of the fire damage event to minimize damage.

Fire damage technicians arrive at your home promptly to assess the extent of fire damage. They stabilize the home to prevent potential collapse. Specialists begin emergency pre-cleaning. Smoke and soot are cleaned using specialized cleaners, equipment and proven techniques.

They also provide deodorization services to remove foul smoke odors from the property, thereby returning optimal air quality. If water damage has occurred as a result of the excess moisture from the fire hoses, they offer efficient water damage restoration services, as well.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.