Electrical Fires

• Electrical fires are often caused by overloading electricity circuits or faulty wiring. You should inspect your electrical wiring on a regular basis and make sure that you are not overloading extension cords or plugs. It is also a good idea to ensure that all electrical plugs and leads are in good condition without any frayed or loose leads. Do your best to avoid electrical fires, and also site fire extinguishers in the areas most vulnerable to electrical fires, such as the kitchen.
  
  

Fire Extinguishers

• A range of extinguishers can be used on electrical fires.Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  There are a number of extinguishers that can be used for electrical fires. Dry chemical fire extinguishers, labeled as class C, are specifically for electrical fires. Multipurpose fire extinguishers, labeled B/C or A, B and/or C, can be used on most types of fires, including electrical. Carbon dioxide extinguishers, labeled as class B, can also be used on electrical fires. A class B fire is a flammable liquid fire.
  
  

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

• Dry chemical extinguishers put out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of powder that separates the fuel from the oxygen needed to keep the fire burning. The dry powder also stops the chemical reaction, making these types of extinguishers very effective. Dry chemical extinguishers will be labeled with letters to indicate that they can be used on class A, B and/or C fires.
  
  

Fire Type Labels

• Fire extinguishers are labeled for different types of fire.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Class A fires are fires fueled by ordinary combustible materials, such as paper, cloth or wood. A standard class A fire extinguisher is filled with water and gas to add high pressure; this is the reason it cannot be used on electrical fires. Class B fires are flammable liquids, such as oil, gasoline, paint and lacquer, and the standard fire class B extinguisher is carbon dioxide. Class C fires are electrical fires. The standard C class fire extinguisher is dry chemical powder, although multipurpose extinguishers can also be used, as long as they are labeled suitable for class C fires.