Foam extinguishers build up of foam on the surface of the burning liquid, cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire and cooling the hot liquid. Electrical fires: If your foam extinguisher is tested to 35000 Volt (35kV) you can use the extinguishers on live electrical fires. However, keep a safety distance of 1m.
Can you use a foam extinguisher on an electrical fire?
Foam extinguishers are also safe for use on flammable liquid fires. They CANNOT be used on electrical fires or flammable metal fires as this extinguisher could end up exacerbating the fire. Foam extinguishers are ideal for premises which have multiple fire risks including offices, factories, warehouses and hotels.
What fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires?
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Extinguishers with a C rating are designed for use with fires involving energized electrical equipment.
What can a foam fire extinguisher be used on?
Suitable for use on class A solid combustible fires and class B flammable liquid fires, foam fire extinguishers create a cooling blanket effect, smothering burning materials and preventing reignition. Not for use on chip pan fires unless they are described specifically as class F extinguishers!
Can foam be used on electrical equipment?
Please note that foam extinguishers should only be used on or near live electrical equipment if they are di-electrically tested. Only tackle small fires with an extinguisher. … Electrical fires: If your foam extinguisher is tested to 35000 Volt (35kV) you can use the extinguishers on live electrical fires.
What type of extinguisher should not be used on an electrical fire?
Never use a water fire extinguisher on an electrical fire (Class C), which can cause you to electrocute yourself. Using a water fire extinguisher on fire caused by a flammable liquid, such as oil or gasoline (Class B), can cause the fire to flare and spread.
When should a foam fire extinguisher not be used?
The foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing flammable vapour reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel. They are not suitable for use on free flowing liquid fires.
Can you use dry powder on electrical fires?
Dry powder fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction taking place and cutting off the oxygen supply. They can be used on fires involving solid combustibles, flammable liquids and electricity.
What must you not use water and foam extinguishers on?
Don’t Add Water
Never use a water extinguisher on electrical fires or any fire involving a flammable liquid. As any science student will tell you, water conducts the current. If you spray water onto an electrical fire, inadvertently or intentionally, you risk electrocuting yourself.