Fire Extinguishers for Electrical Equipment

The safest fire extinguishers for electrical fires are CO2, dielectrically tested water mist, and eco-foam models. CO2 is best for sensitive electronics. Water mist and eco-foam suit mixed-risk environments. The right choice depends on your setting, the voltage involved and whether other fire risks such as paper or cooking oils are also present.

Technically, there's no such thing as a purely electrical fire because electricity itself doesn't burn. What happens is that electrical current heats materials around cables, plugs, or equipment, causing them to catch fire. The key difference is that if the electrical supply remains live, you face the added danger of electrocution when fighting the fire. This is why standard water extinguishers can be dangerous on electrical fires if they are not di-electrically tested - they can conduct electricity back to you.

Water-based fire extinguishers can be used on electrical fires if they have been di-electrically tested. Water-based fire extinguishers that have passed the dielectric test in accordance with EN 3-7, such as water mist, can be used to put out fires involving electrical equipment up to 1000 volts at a distance of 1m. Any extinguishers that have passed this test and are suitable for use on live electrical equipment will feature a 'lightening bolt' electrical symbol on the front.

Water‑based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if they have the electrical symbol on the front. This shows that they have passed a di-electric test, making them safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1,000 volts at a distance of 1m.

A Water Mist Extinguisher is a versatile fire extinguisher available for use on Class A, B, C and fires involving electrical equipment. Water Mist Fire Extinguishers have been dielectrically tested to ensure they are safe to use on live electrical equipment.

A CO2 fire extinguisher is recommended for areas where there is a lot of electrical equipment such as server rooms.

Powder fire extinguishers can also be used on fires involving electrical equipment but they are recommended for outdoor use only as they cause reduced visibility and difficulty breathing indoors when discharged.

Dielectric testing involves subjecting water-based extinguishers to 35,000 volts to verify that no electrical current can flow back to the person using the extinguisher. This stringent test confirms that the extinguisher is safe for use on electrical fires. Once passed, the extinguisher is marked as 'Suitable for use on Live Electrical Equipment up to 1000V at a distance of 1 metre' - that's four times domestic voltage levels.

Strictly speaking there is no such thing as electrical fire, as electricity does not burn. Neither do the cable cores and other conductors. However, electrical current can heat up other materials to start fires. Often, it is the cable covering or foreign bodies in the electric equipment start to burn first.

If the electric supply to the equipment on fire continues, it is 'a fire involving live electrical equipment'. The use of, for example, a simple water extinguisher on this type of fire could lead to electrocution of the person fighting the fire. Our section of electrically safe extinguishers will help you select a suitable extinguisher for your building or application.

When people talk about ‘electrical fires’ they often mean fires involving electrical equipment. This is because electricity itself doesn't burn; but it can create sparks that can quickly spread to other surrounding materials.

If an electrical fire occurs, the best advice is always to move to a safe distance and call the fire brigade. If however, you need to tackle the fire, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power source if you are able to.
2. Use a suitable fire extinguisher to tackle the blaze if it is safe to do so. Choose an extinguisher with the electrical symbol on the front and stand at least one metre from the fire.
3. Do NOT use a bucket of water to put out a fire involving live electrical equipment.

No, technically, there is no such thing as an electrical fire, as electricity itself does not burn and neither do the cable cores and other conductors. However, the electrical current can heat up other materials that may be on top of the cables or around the plug sockets, and this would be the start of what is considered to be an electrical fire.

Often, it is the cable covering or even foreign bodies in the electrical equipment that start to burn first. If the electrical supply to the equipment on fire continues, this is what is considered to be a fire involving live electrical equipment. The use of, for example, a simple water extinguisher could then lead to electrocution of the individual fighting the fire.

Therefore, when planning for extinguishers and what types you may require for your business or home, you must consider all risks, including what electrical equipment you may have to use, such as, laptops, printers, kettles, or washing machines.

Our section of electrically safe extinguishers will help you select a suitable extinguisher for your building or application.

CO2 extinguishers remain the traditional choice for electrical fires because carbon dioxide gas doesn't conduct electricity and leaves no residue that could damage sensitive equipment. They're particularly valuable in server rooms, computer areas, and around expensive electronics. However, CO2 can dissipate quickly in open areas, potentially allowing re-ignition, and it displaces oxygen, so ventilation is essential after use.

Yes, but only if they've passed dielectric testing to BS EN3-7 standards. These specially tested water mist extinguishers are safe for electrical equipment up to 1000V when used from a distance of 1 metre. They work because they discharge de-ionised water in an excellent mist that doesn't form pools, and de-ionised water cannot conduct electricity.

Yes, modern multi-class extinguishers, such as water mist and eco-foam, can handle electrical fires, as well as Class A (paper, wood) and Class B (liquids) fires. Some eco-foam extinguishers even cover Class F (cooking oils). This versatility makes them cost-effective for mixed-risk environments, reducing the need for multiple different extinguisher types.

It subjects extinguishers to 35,000 volts to ensure safety. Certified units are marked safe for up to 1000V at 1 metre.