Which type of fire extinguisher should be used for electrical fires?

For electrical fires, the appropriate choice is the Class C fire extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires that involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, and circuit breakers. The reason that Class C extinguishers are suitable for these types of fires is that they utilize non-conductive agents such as CO2 or dry chemical substances which do not conduct electricity, making them safe to use on live electrical fires.

Using the correct type of extinguisher is crucial for safety. Other classes of extinguishers, like Class A, B, and D, are designed for different materials and scenarios. Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials like wood and paper, Class B for flammable liquids like gasoline, and Class D for combustible metals. Employing an extinguisher meant for other classes could not only fail to extinguish an electrical fire but also potentially cause further risk of electric shock or explosion. Thus, Class C is the best option for safely addressing electrical fires.