Extinguishing agents safe for use on fires in or near charged electrical equipment include

• A. Carbon Dioxide and Dry Chemical
• B. Water
• C. Wet Chemical
• D. Foam

Answer: (A)

Extinguishing fires that involve energized electrical equipment requires agents that won’t conduct electricity or leave a conductive path. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical powders fit this need. CO2 blankets the fire and displaces oxygen without leaving conductive residue, so it can smother the flame on electrical gear. Dry chemical powders interrupt the flame’s chemical reactions and, being nonconductive, won’t energize equipment while helping to suppress the fire. Water-based agents are unsafe for live electrical fires because water conducts electricity and can create short circuits or shock hazards. Wet chemical and foam also rely on moisture and can introduce conductive paths, making them unsuitable for fires in or near energized electrical equipment.