Which firefighting agent is primarily utilized for electrical fires?

The use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) as a firefighting agent for electrical fires is due to its effective properties in displacing oxygen. Electrical fires, which can happen when electrical equipment or wiring malfunctions, require agents that do not conduct electricity and can effectively suffocate the fire without causing damage to the equipment. CO2 is non-conductive, making it safe for use on live electrical equipment. Additionally, CO2 extinguishes flames by quickly displacing oxygen in the area, leading to a decrease in the fire’s ability to sustain combustion.

Firefighting agents like water, while effective on many types of fires, are not suitable for electrical fires because water is a conductor of electricity and can create shock hazards. Similarly, dry powder agents can be used for a variety of fires, including electrical, but CO2 is preferred in many settings because it leaves no residue and does not require cleanup, which is critical when dealing with sensitive electronic equipment. Class B foam is designed primarily for flammable liquid fires, making it less effective for electrical fires, where a non-residue agent like CO2 is advantageous.