Fire Extinguisher Use – Electrical Fires
March 2012
There are many different types of fire extinguishers for use in different situations. For the
purpose of this discussion the electrical fire extinguisher will be used. We will also discuss how
to use an electrical fire extinguisher should the need ever arise.
Fire extinguishers are classified according to the type of solution used and its suitability for
classes of fire. Classifications of fire extinguishers vary but usually the units contain a pictogram
which will indicate the intended use for the fire extinguisher. The use of each type of fire
extinguisher must be according to the class of fire which the pictogram indicates. If you are
using a fire extinguishing unit for the wrong class of fire, expelling the fire will not be fully
efficient.
Units such as electrical fire extinguishers are intended for fires originating from faulty electrical
equipment. Electrical fire extinguishers make use of non-conductive solutions so as not to cause
greater damage and to put out the fire more quickly.
One such type of extinguishing agent commonly used in many electrical fire extinguishers is
carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a type of clean agent that pushes out oxygen and replaces it.
The fire easily dies out when carbon dioxide displaces oxygen. A clean agent in fire
extinguishers is something that does not leave residues on electrical equipment. It also prevents
fire from scattering further because it blocks out a chain reaction of chemicals starting from the
zone where the fire had originated.
When To Use Electrical Fire Extinguishers
Electrical fire extinguishers must only be used for fires that originate from an electrical source.
The extinguishing agent found in these types of fire extinguishers may induce more fire damage
if used for other classes of fire. Other than that, it could also cause health hazards to fire fighters
if not used correctly. It can cause CO2 poisoning or suffocation.
An electrical fire is any fire that ignites from electrical equipment. It may be due to faulty
wirings, short circuits, or overloaded electrical components. Any fire that originates from any
electrical equipment cannot be extinguished using water because water is a conductive agent.
That means, if water is used against electrical fires, you are not only failing at putting out at the
fire but rather you are also increasing damage. Water used against fire will also expose the
firefighter to the risk of suffering electrical shocks. Electrocution can cause paralysis for the
victim, or worse death. Foam is also a conductive agent and thus it can be used for electrical
fires.
Electrical fires must be expelled using nothing more than electrical fire extinguishers. Clean and
non conductive agents like carbon dioxide, baking soda, dry chemical powder, and Purple-K
powder (PKP) are contained in these expellants.
An electrical fire extinguisher can be installed ideally in offices and homes. An electrical fire
extinguisher can probably be found in almost any place where there is a high risk of electrical
fire.
How To Use A Electrical Fire Extinguisher
When putting out an electrical fire, the first and most important step is to turn off the main power
switch before the fire escalates to a larger damage. Once the main power switch is turned off,
you have made a lot of difference in preventing the fire from getting bigger.
In using the fire extinguisher, there are four basic steps for you to follow: pull, aim, squeeze,
sweep. There is a ring pin located at the top of the lever. Pull the pin while you are holding the
unit in an upright position. Avoid pointing the fire extinguisher at another person.
Next, aim the nozzle to the zone affected by fire. Ideally, you should aim to where the fire has
started. Then, squeeze the lever and make sweeping motion so that all areas are fully covered by
the extinguishing agent.
If you must move closer to the fire, you can do so but take extra caution because once you are
closer you are putting yourself to greater danger. Also make sure that you have notified the fire
department about the fire situation, if need be.
Ideally, the fire extinguisher must be located in a part of the room where it can be easily seen and
reached for. It is not a good idea to keep the fire extinguisher stored and locked inside some
compartment. Also, if you have to, make sure that everyone in the same place has been taught
how to use it and for when to use it. On the barrel of the fire extinguisher, there will usually be
pictograms that will signify the class of fire for which it can be used.
Where To Buy Electrical Fire Extinguishers
You never know when a fire can happen in your home or office. But for safety purposes, it is
always best to have your own electrical fire extinguishers ready. Fire extinguishers are a wise
investment because it serves as combat arms against any fire tragedy that may occur. Investing in
a fire extinguisher is easy. What you only need is to find an authorized dealer of fire
extinguishers.
Fire extinguishers can be bought from hardware stores and office supply stores. Always make
sure that the dealer is authorized if you do not want to risk buying a fake and inefficient fire
extinguisher. More importantly, you should also check the year of its manufacture to see if the
unit is still new. Fire extinguishers come in different tank sizes. If you’re buying one for home or
office, choose the large ones. The smaller tanks are ideal for travelling like if you want to store
them in your car.
Fire extinguishers are safety equipment. Purchasing a fire extinguisher is one step in safety and
prevention against times of calamity.