Which type of fire extinguisher is NOT suitable for electrical fires?

Prepare for the NICET Electrical Power Testing Level 1 Exam. Explore flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations to excel in your test!

Water extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires because water is a conductor of electricity. When water is sprayed on an electrical fire, it can create a path for the electric current to travel, leading to the risk of electrocution for the person using the extinguisher. Additionally, water can cause further short-circuiting of electrical equipment, potentially worsening the fire situation.

In contrast, CO2 extinguishers and dry chemical extinguishers are effective for electrical fires since they do not conduct electricity and can safely smother the flames. Foam extinguishers, while useful for certain types of fires, can also be problematic with electrical fires due to the possibility of creating conductive paths if not properly controlled. However, dry chemical and CO2 extinguishers remain the recommended choices for tackling electrical fires.

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