For electrical fires, you should use a Class C fire extinguisher, typically a carbon dioxide (CO₂) or dry chemical (dry powder) unit, because they use non‑conductive agents that won’t carry electricity and risk shock.

What Type of Extinguisher Is Used for Electrical Fires?

Quick Scoop

Electrical fires are different from ordinary fires because live current can turn the wrong extinguisher into a serious hazard. The key is to use an extinguisher that is both effective on the flames and safe around energized equipment.

Safe extinguisher types for electrical fires

  • Class C–rated extinguishers are specifically designed for fires involving energized electrical equipment (wiring, fuse boxes, panels, powered appliances).
  • CO₂ (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are widely used on electrical fires and work by displacing oxygen and cooling the flame, while leaving no residue on equipment.
  • Dry chemical / dry powder extinguishers with a Class C rating (often monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate) interrupt the fire’s chemical reaction and are also safe on live electrical systems because the agent is non‑conductive.

In most modern workplaces and homes, the extinguisher you want for an electrical panel or computer rack will be clearly marked for Class C or will indicate use on “electrical equipment” in the pictogram.

Types of Extinguishers and Electrical Fires

Not every extinguisher is safe around electricity. Knowing the broad classes helps you avoid dangerous mistakes.

Main fire classes (quick guide)

  • Class A – Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth). Water and foam units are common, but water must not be used on live electrical fires because it conducts electricity and can spread shock and fire.
  • Class B – Flammable liquids and gases (petrol, oil, some solvents); foam, CO₂, and some dry chemical types are used.
  • Class C – Energized electrical equipment; CO₂ and Class C dry chemical extinguishers are recommended.
  • Class D – Combustible metals (magnesium, titanium, etc.); specialized dry powder agents.
  • Class K (or F in some regions) – Cooking oils and deep‑fat fryers; wet chemical extinguishers, not for general electrical use.

Small but crucial detail

Once the power is safely shut off , the fire may change class (for example, from an electrical fire to a Class A fire if only plastic casings and wood are burning), and other extinguisher types might then be appropriate. But you should always treat it as a Class C fire until you are sure all electricity is isolated.

Simple HTML Table: Common Extinguishers vs Electrical Fires

Below is an HTML table (as you requested) summing up which types are suitable for electrical fires:

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Extinguisher type</th>
      <th>Typical fire class</th>
      <th>Use on electrical fires?</th>
      <th>Key notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Water</td>
      <td>Class A (ordinary combustibles)</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>Conducts electricity; risk of electric shock and fire spread if used on live equipment.[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Foam</td>
      <td>Class A, B</td>
      <td>Generally no (except some specially rated models)</td>
      <td>Standard foam can conduct electricity; only certain foam units are tested and labeled safe for incidental electrical risks.[web:3][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>CO₂ (carbon dioxide)</td>
      <td>Class B, electrical</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Non‑conductive gas, leaves no residue, ideal for electronics and office equipment.[web:1][web:3][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Dry chemical / dry powder (Class C rated)</td>
      <td>Class B, C (often A–B–C)</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Non‑conductive powder interrupts the chemical reaction; versatile and widely used for electrical risks.[web:1][web:3][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Wet chemical</td>
      <td>Class K (cooking oils)</td>
      <td>No (for general electrical fires)</td>
      <td>Specialized for deep‑fat fryers and cooking oils; not intended as a primary choice for electrical fires.[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Safety Tips and “Latest” Context

In recent safety guidance and training materials, there’s a strong emphasis on clear labeling and staff training so people can quickly identify Class C or CO₂ units in modern homes and workplaces. As electrical loads grow with more devices and EV chargers, regulators and fire‑safety professionals have been highlighting the importance of having at least one Class C‑capable extinguisher near electrical panels, server rooms, and high‑use outlets.

A simple way to remember it:

“C for Current ” – if it’s a Class C‑rated extinguisher, it’s designed for electrical fires.

Basic action steps if you ever face a small electrical fire:

  1. Cut the power if you can do so safely (turn off the breaker or disconnect the device).
  1. Stand back at a safe distance (often at least 6 feet) with a clear exit behind you.
  1. Use a Class C / CO₂ / appropriate dry chemical extinguisher and follow the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
  1. If the fire does not go out immediately, evacuate and call emergency services.

Forum‑Style Takeaway (Discussion Angle)

If you dropped this into a forum thread titled “what type of extinguisher is used for electrical fires” , the consensus answer would look like this:

Use a Class C‑rated extinguisher , typically CO₂ or a Class C dry chemical unit, and never use plain water on live electrics.

TL;DR: For electrical fires, go for a Class C extinguisher—CO₂ or Class C dry chemical—because they’re non‑conductive and specifically rated for energized electrical equipment.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.