When it comes to fire safety, knowledge truly is power. And when you're dealing with electrical fires—whether at home, in the office, or on a job site—the right fire extinguisher can make all the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
So what type of fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires? The short answer: a Class C fire extinguisher. But that's just scratching the surface. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about protecting yourself, your family, or your business from electrical fires—and how 119 Fire Control can help you stay prepared.
Electrical fires are unique because they involve energized electrical equipment. That means water-based extinguishers are off the table—they conduct electricity and could lead to shock or worse. Worse still, using the wrong type of extinguishing agent can actually spread the fire instead of putting it out.
Common causes of electrical fires include:
These risks are everywhere—in homes, offices, warehouses, data centers, and more. Which brings us to the next point: having the right fire extinguisher ready and accessible can literally save lives.
Fire extinguishers are categorized by the types of fires they're designed to put out. These categories are labeled as Class A, B, C, D, and K.
For electrical fires, you want an extinguisher rated for Class C. Here's what that means:
Many modern extinguishers are multi-class, such as ABC-rated extinguishers, which makes them versatile for a variety of environments. But even if you have one of those, it's important to understand why they work—and when they should be used.
You might be thinking: “Can't I just douse it with water?” The answer is a resounding no—especially if the source of the fire is still plugged in or has live current running through it.
Water conducts electricity, which puts anyone trying to fight the fire at serious risk of electrocution. Plus, water doesn't always effectively smother electrical fires—it can cause damage without fully stopping the flames.
Foam extinguishers may seem safer, but unless they're specifically labeled for Class C fires, they can also pose a risk. Always check the label before assuming any extinguisher is safe for electrical fires.
Two of the most common and effective types of extinguishers for electrical fires are:
These are often labeled as "ABC" or "BC" extinguishers. They spray a fine powder that interrupts the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen). The most common dry chemical used is monoammonium phosphate, which is yellow in color and highly effective on a wide range of fire types—including electrical ones.
Pros:
Cons:
These are ideal for electrical fires and are especially popular in sensitive environments like server rooms, laboratories, and IT departments. They work by displacing oxygen and removing heat from the fire.
Pros:
Cons:
Both types are excellent choices, but your decision will depend on where the extinguisher will be placed and what kind of equipment you're trying to protect.
At 119 Fire Control, we don't just sell fire extinguishers—we provide peace of mind. Whether you're outfitting a small apartment, a commercial building, or an industrial facility, our team helps you choose the right tools for the job.
Here's what sets us apart:
We believe fire safety isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. That's why we make it easy, affordable, and reliable for everyone to get protected.
Even the best fire extinguisher won't help if it's locked away or too far from where a fire starts. For optimal protection, follow these tips:
In homes, place extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, and near electrical panels. In offices or businesses, mount them in server rooms, break rooms, near printers, and other areas with lots of electronic equipment.
A fire extinguisher that hasn't been inspected or maintained is like a smoke alarm with dead batteries—it might look good, but it won't save you when you need it most.
Routine checks include:
119 Fire Control offers comprehensive inspection services tailored to your needs. Whether you're responsible for a single unit or dozens across multiple sites, we've got you covered.
Let's imagine two real-life situations where having the right fire extinguisher made all the difference.
Case 1: Office Break Room Incident
An employee was reheating food when sparks flew from the microwave. Within seconds, flames began to rise. Luckily, there was a Class C ABC dry chemical extinguisher mounted nearby. The employee grabbed it, followed PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), and had the fire under control within 30 seconds. No injuries, minimal damage.
Case 2: Home Garage Fire
A homeowner was working on an old car battery when a spark ignited some flammable fumes. Flames quickly spread toward the wall outlet. He grabbed his CO₂ extinguisher, cut off the oxygen supply, and stopped the fire cold. No structural damage, no emergency calls needed.
These aren't just stories—they're reminders of how critical preparedness is.
The truth is, electrical fires happen fast—and they can be deadly. But with the right fire extinguisher in your corner, you're giving yourself and your loved ones or coworkers a fighting chance.
At 119 Fire Control, we're not just selling products. We're helping build safer communities, one fire extinguisher at a time. From selecting the right model to ensuring it stays in top condition, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Don't wait until the worst happens. Take action today. Equip your space. Train your team. Call 119 Fire Control.
Because when it comes to fire safety, being prepared isn't optional—it's essential.
Need help choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business? Contact 119 Fire Control today for a free consultation and product demo. Let's keep you safe together.
119 Fire Control is a manufacturer of Fire Extinguishers and Gas Fire Suppression Systems, such as IG541 Mixed Gas Fire Supression Equipment, HFC-227 Gas Fire Suppression Equipment, Accessories, Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers, CO2 Fire Extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, widely used in archives, libraries, hotels, tourism, residential communities, etc.
