What type of portable fire extinguisher is most effective for fires involving live electrical equipment?

The carbon-dioxide type fire extinguisher is the most effective choice for fires involving live electrical equipment. This is primarily because carbon dioxide extinguishers do not conduct electricity, making them safe to use on electrical fires. They work by displacing the oxygen around the fire, which smothers the flames without introducing any additional materials that could cause a reaction or hazard, particularly in an environment with live electrical components.

In contrast, other types of extinguishers, such as foam or water types, present risks when used on electrical fires. Foam extinguishers can conduct electricity and may also react negatively with the electrical equipment. Water extinguishers are particularly unsuitable for electrical fires as water is a conductor of electricity and can result in electric shock or further spread the fire. Soda-acid extinguishers also share vulnerabilities and are less effective on electrical fires. Therefore, the carbon-dioxide extinguisher’s non-conductive properties make it the safest and most reliable choice for managing fires that involve live electrical sources.