Which extinguisher is unsuitable for electrical fires?

• A. Water Glycol
• B. Halon
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

Electrical fires need extinguishing media that won’t conduct electricity or leave conductive paths. Water-based extinguishers, including those with glycol additives, contain water and can conduct current. If electricity is live, the extinguisher can carry current to the operator or through nearby equipment, creating a serious shock risk and potentially spreading the fault. The moisture and water content can also damage electrical components. That’s why a water-glycol extinguisher is unsuitable for electrical fires. In contrast, clean-agent extinguishers like Halon (or Halotron) are non-conductive and leave no conductive residue, making them appropriate for electrical fires. The other options don’t fit because Halon is suitable, not unsuitable, and saying both or neither would be inaccurate.