Fires as we known have a several class was identification with specific heat sources.For fire cause by electrical,it include in class C.So for electrical fire,we must used a suitable fire extinguisher to avoid serious damage or can cause others danger.
We cannot used fire extinguisher from water base because it can cause electric shock.Many case around the world happened when firefighter death and injury due to electrical shocked.
It also can cause a serious damage for electrical and electronic equipment nearest the fire incident happened if we used wrong or not suitable fire extinguisher such as water,dry powder,foam and others.
Electrical Fires: Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher with Latest Technology
Electrical fires are classified as Class C fires, caused by heat generated from electrical faults such as short circuits, overloaded circuits, or faulty wiring. Properly extinguishing electrical fires requires specialized fire extinguishers to avoid hazards like electric shock or further equipment damage.
With advancements in fire suppression technology, newer, eco-friendly, and more efficient options are now available to combat electrical fires safely. This guide highlights the latest technologies alongside traditional methods for extinguishing electrical fires.
Why Avoid Water-Based Extinguishers for Electrical Fires?
- Electric Shock Risk: Water is a conductor of electricity, making it dangerous for firefighting near energized equipment.
- Equipment Damage: Water can destroy sensitive electronics and electrical systems, exacerbating the situation.
Instead, using specially designed extinguishers for electrical fires ensures safety and minimal damage.
Modern Fire Extinguishing Technologies for Electrical Fires
1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
- How It Works:
- CO2 displaces oxygen, effectively suffocating the fire.
- Leaves no residue, making it safe for electronics.
- Latest Improvements:
- Lightweight CO2 extinguishers with ergonomic designs for easier handling.
- Advanced discharge nozzles for precise targeting of the fire.
- Best For: Control rooms, server racks, and switchgear.
- Drawback: Risk of suffocation in confined spaces; proper ventilation is necessary.
2. Halotron I Extinguishers
- How It Works:
- A clean agent that interrupts the chemical reaction of combustion while being non-conductive.
- Ozone-safe, unlike older agents like Halon 1211.
- Latest Improvements:
- Enhanced environmental safety with lower global warming potential (GWP).
- Integrated pressure indicators for easier maintenance.
- Best For: Server rooms, telecommunications, and control panels.
- Drawback: High cost compared to CO2 extinguishers.
3. FE-36™ Extinguishers (HFC-236fa)
- How It Works:
- Hydrofluorocarbon-based clean agent that is ozone-safe and leaves no residue.
- Safer than Halotron I due to lower toxicity and higher safety margins.
- Latest Improvements:
- Improved discharge visibility for better control during use.
- Compliance with updated environmental standards (e.g., EU F-Gas Regulation).
- Best For: Modern data centers, industrial control rooms, and medical facilities.
4. Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid
- How It Works:
- A clean agent that extinguishes fires through heat absorption, leaving no residue.
- Environmentally safe with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
- Latest Improvements:
- Ultra-fast discharge for minimizing downtime in critical areas.
- Compact extinguishing systems that require less agent for the same effectiveness.
- Best For: High-value facilities such as data centers, museums, and archives.
- Drawback: Requires professional installation and may be cost-prohibitive for smaller setups.
5. Water Mist Extinguishers
- How It Works:
- Uses ultra-fine mist to cool the fire and suppress flames without conducting electricity.
- The mist minimizes water damage to equipment.
- Latest Improvements:
- Ultra-low conductivity technology ensures safety around energized equipment.
- Improved nozzle designs for precise targeting and efficient use of water.
- Best For: Hospitals, laboratories, and areas with a mix of electrical and non-electrical risks.
6. Potassium Bicarbonate (Purple-K) Extinguishers
- How It Works:
- A dry chemical agent that disrupts the chemical chain reaction of the fire.
- Widely used in industrial applications due to its effectiveness.
- Latest Improvements:
- Formulations with reduced corrosiveness to minimize equipment damage.
- Enhanced discharge systems for better coverage.
- Best For: Oil and gas facilities, heavy industrial plants.
- Drawback: Can still be corrosive and leaves residue, making cleanup challenging.
Key Factors in Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
- Environment Type:
- For sensitive electronics: Opt for residue-free agents like CO2, Halotron I, or Novec 1230.
- For mixed-use areas: Consider water mist or FE-36™ extinguishers.
- Environmental Impact:
- Use environmentally friendly agents such as Novec 1230 or FE-36™ to comply with sustainability goals.
- Cost and Maintenance:
- Evaluate the long-term cost of installation, refilling, and maintenance.
- Halotron I and Novec 1230 may have higher initial costs but lower environmental impact and cleanup costs.
- Ease of Use:
- Lightweight designs and ergonomic nozzles make extinguishers easier to operate during emergencies.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure the extinguisher meets local safety standards and certifications like NFPA or EN standards.
Comparing Electrical Fire Extinguishers
| Extinguisher Type | Residue-Free | Eco-Friendly | Applications | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 | Yes | Moderate | General electrical fires, control rooms. | Affordable |
| Halotron I | Yes | Yes | Server rooms, telecommunications. | Expensive |
| FE-36™ | Yes | Yes | Data centers, modern facilities. | Moderate-High |
| Novec 1230 | Yes | Yes | High-value areas like museums, archives. | High |
| Water Mist | Yes | Yes | Hospitals, labs, and hybrid environments. | Moderate |
| Purple-K | No | No | Heavy industrial and oil & gas facilities. | Moderate |
Precautions for Using Fire Extinguishers on Electrical Fires
- Ensure Proper Training:
- Train personnel to identify the correct extinguisher and operate it safely.
- Ventilation Matters:
- Agents like CO2 and Halotron I can displace oxygen, so ensure adequate ventilation in confined spaces.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Inspect and refill extinguishers as per manufacturer recommendations to ensure readiness.
- Environment-Specific Choices:
- For eco-sensitive areas, prioritize agents with low ODP and GWP values like FE-36™ or Novec 1230.
Conclusion
Electrical fires require specialized extinguishing agents to ensure safety and protect equipment. Modern fire suppression technologies like Novec 1230, FE-36™, and advanced CO2 systems offer effective, eco-friendly, and residue-free solutions. Proper training, maintenance, and understanding of the environment are key to choosing the right extinguisher.
By investing in the latest fire suppression technologies and ensuring compliance with safety standards, you can enhance the safety and reliability of your facility while protecting valuable assets.