Which fire extinguisher is most suitable for an electrical equipment fire?

The most suitable fire extinguisher for an electrical equipment fire is the CO2 fire extinguisher. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen around the fire and also cooling the surrounding area as the gas expands upon release. This method is effective because electrical fires often involve energized equipment, and using a CO2 extinguisher does not introduce water or chemicals that could conduct electricity or cause additional damage to the equipment.

In contrast, while dry powder extinguishers can also be used for electrical fires due to their non-conductive nature, CO2 extinguishers are typically preferred because they leave no residue. This is particularly important for electrical equipment, as residue from other types of extinguishers can potentially cause corrosion or interfere with the operation of sensitive electronics.

Water and foam extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires, as using them can lead to dangerous situations due to their conductive properties, potentially causing electrocution or further spreading the fire.