Which fire extinguisher is appropriate for use on electrical equipment fires?

The appropriate fire extinguisher for use on electrical equipment fires is a Class C extinguisher. Class C extinguishers are specifically designed to handle fires that involve energized electrical equipment, such as wiring, circuit breakers, and appliances. These extinguishers often contain non-conductive extinguishing agents, which prevent the risk of electric shock while effectively suppressing the fire.

Using a Class C extinguisher ensures that the fire is tackled without the danger of conducting electricity back through the extinguisher, which is crucial for personal safety. It's essential to avoid using water-based extinguishers (such as those designed for Class A fires) on electrical fires, as water is a conductor of electricity and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Similarly, extinguishers intended for flammable liquids (Class B) and those for cooking oils and fats (Class K) are not suitable for Class C fires because they do not specifically address the hazards associated with energized electrical equipment.