Are foam extinguishers recommended for electrical fires?

Foam extinguishers are not specifically designed for electrical fires, but they can be safer than water extinguishers if accidentally used on live electrical equipment. This is because foam does not conduct electricity, which reduces the risk of electrical shock when spraying it on energized areas. In contrast, water is a conductor and can pose a significant risk when used on electrical fires.

It is essential to use extinguishers that are rated for electrical fires—typically CO2 or dry powder extinguishers—because they effectively restrict combustion reactions without the risk of conducting electricity. Foam extinguishers can be versatile and useful for other types of fires, such as flammable liquids, but should be used with caution in electrical situations.