Why should water NOT be used to extinguish fires near electrical apparatus?

Using water to extinguish fires near electrical apparatus is dangerous primarily because water has the ability to conduct electric current. When water comes into contact with live electrical systems, it can create a path for electricity to flow, which can lead to severe electric shock or electrocution for anyone nearby. Moreover, the conductive nature of water increases the risk of further igniting the fire or causing additional hazards as it can spread the electric current over a larger area.

In firefighting scenarios involving electrical fires, it is important to utilize extinguishing agents that are non-conductive, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers. These alternatives can effectively put out the fire without the risk of electrocution or additional safety hazards.

The other options discuss scenarios that, while relevant in other contexts, do not fundamentally capture the primary reason safety precautions dictate the avoidance of water in electrical fires. For instance, while the rapid evaporation of water might be a concern in some situations, it does not pose the immediate critical risk associated with electricity. Similarly, while water can potentially cause damage to certain types of equipment, the foremost danger in a fire situation near electricity rests on the conductive properties of water.