For electrical fires, which option correctly describes the extinguishing agents to use and what to avoid?

• A. Dry Powder, Carbon Dioxide, or Soda Acid; Water
• B. Dry Powder or Soda Acid, Water or Carbon Dioxide
• C. Carbon Dioxide, Water or Dry Powder
• D. Carbon Dioxide or Dry Powder, Water or Soda Acid

Answer: (D)

When fighting electrical fires, the priority is to use extinguishing agents that won’t conduct electricity or leave conductive or corrosive residues. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical powder fit this requirement: CO2 displaces the oxygen around the fire without leaving a conductive residue, and dry powder blankets the fuel and interrupts the chemical reactions, all without conducting electricity. Water-based extinguishers are dangerous on live electrical equipment because water conducts electricity, creating shock risk and potentially spreading the current or short-circuiting components. Soda acid extinguishers can leave corrosive residues that can damage electrical gear.

So the best approach is to use carbon dioxide or dry powder, and avoid water or soda acid.