Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?

Dry chemical extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires because they are designed to interrupt the chemical reaction of a fire by discharging a fine powder. This powder is effective on Class C fires, which involve electrical equipment. The dry chemical quickly suppresses flames without conducting electricity, making it safe to use on live electrical equipment. This characteristic is crucial, as using water or foam extinguishers on electrical fires can create a serious risk of electric shock.

Water extinguishers are ineffective and dangerous on electrical fires due to their conductive nature. Foam extinguishers are primarily intended for flammable liquids and also pose a risk when used on electrical fires because they can conduct electricity. Wet chemical extinguishers are typically used for cooking oils and fats, not for electrical equipment, thus making dry chemical extinguishers the most appropriate option in this case.