When an electrical fire breaks out, the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling, wondering which fire extinguisher is safe to use. Every minute counts when the flames are gathering.
But with so many to choose from, we know it can be difficult to settle on the best one to have on site for your business, office space, or building.
So, to keep you and everyone else safe in the event a faulty computer or frayed electrical wire does set ablaze, we’ll go over the best fire extinguisher to use for electrical fires.
What is the Best Fire Extinguisher for Electrical Fires?
A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is ideal for electrical fires as it offers the best all-around treatment to stop the fire.
In fact, CO2 extinguishers are the most commonly used for electrical fires as it smothers the flames, removing the oxygen needed for it to continue burning. Plus, with no residue to tend to, computers and electronics go relatively unscathed while extinguishing nearby flames.
| Benefits of a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher |
| Works for live electricals ✓ |
| Leaves minimal residue ✓ |
| Suitable for offices & server rooms ✓ |
| Clear when discharged ✓ |
| Low risk of reignition ✓ |
Generally, you’ll get at least 10 years from your CO2 extinguisher before it’s best to replace it. You need to get them serviced at least once a year to ensure they’re in working order.
Are Other Fire Extinguishers Safe to Use on an Electric Fire?
Yes, while CO2 is the best extinguisher for an electrical fire, you can also use a dry powder extinguisher.
Dry powder extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction happening with a fire, smothering the flames and putting them out. However, they can only be used for some electrical fires, mainly those where the equipment on fire is under 1000 volts.
| Dry Powder Extinguisher |
| Works for live electricals ✓ |
| Visible when discharged ✓ |
| Suitable for industrial spaces ✓ |
| Also works on gas fires ✓ |
| Low risk of reignition ✓ |
OUR RECOMMENDATION: We recommend you use carbon dioxide extinguishers for electrical fires. As they’re safe to use on all types of electricals, it saves you valuable time trying to calculate whether the equipment is more than 1000 volts.
What is an Electrical Fire?
An electrical fire is a blaze which starts with electrical equipment, such as computers, wiring, or appliances.
Oftentimes, this is due to equipment being faulty or extension leads being overloaded. As appliances are plugged in at the wall, it’s common for them to start without anyone spotting it, flames flickering away unnoticed.
Electrical appliance fires are the number four fire risk in the home, according to the London Fire Brigade. As such, you need to be extra cautious around what items you use in the home.
How to Stay Safe During an Electrical Fire
Ensuring you’re safe during a fire, or any fire for that matter, is our number one goal. As such, we’ve got some tips to help do just that.
✓ If it’s safe to do so, cut the power at the main fuse box.
✓ Use your CO2 extinguisher to put out the flames.
✓ Leave all possessions behind when you leave the building.
✓ Call 999 to inform your local fire department of the fire, even if you believe the fire is out.
Remember, only ever attempt to extinguish a fire if you feel it’s safe. If the flames are too high, there’s heavy smoke, or the fire seems uncontrollable, then you should evacuate the building immediately.
Try to close doors behind you as you leave, as this can help slow down the spread of the fire to other areas of the building.
What Not to Do During an Electrical Fire
We know it can be quite scary when a fire starts, leaving you unsure of what is best to do. For your safety, there are a few things you should avoid when you notice an electrical fire.
╳ First and foremost, never use water on an electrical fire. As water conducts electricity, throwing a bucket of it over electricals can risk electrocution.
╳ It can be tempting to simply throw anything on a fire in an attempt to put the flames out. However, you shouldn’t use an extinguisher that is not labelled as safe for electrical fires.
╳ Do not touch any device that is on fire with your bare hands. Even if the flames are only small, touching electrical items that are on fire is not safe and puts you at risk of harm.
If a fire feels out of control or seems to be spreading quickly, evacuate the building and call 999 as soon as possible.
Order Your Electrical Fire Extinguisher From Us Today
At FP Fire, we provide industry-standard fire extinguishers for all types of fire, ensuring you’re ready should a fire break out.
Our experienced engineers are fully certified, using British Standard-compliant techniques to install your fire extinguisher in the most convenient area of the building. We take extra care with all installations to protect your property and those in it.
Not sure which fire extinguisher is right for you? Give us a call, and a member of our team will be happy to provide expert advice on the best one for you to keep on site. Call us on 020 3633 7572 or send an email to info@fpfire.co.uk.
Want to know about fire safety? Find out who is responsible for using a fire extinguisher and how often a fire risk assessment needs to be done, over on our blog.