Well, that depends. If the electricity is still turned onthen we would use a CO2 extinguisher. If it is de-energized, then it would be treated as a normal fire, and you could put it out with a hose stream. In a perfect world though, CO2 is the best because it does no more damage to whatever is on fire, whereas water corrodes and shorts wiring.
Carbon dioxide, Xenon or - if it's all you've got - foam. Or a fire blanket works on electrical fires too if they are small enough. Basically anything but water.
As with any fire though, your safest bet is to evacuate the building and call the fire brigade. Never put yourself in danger to fight a fire unless someone else is in danger. And always, always, always call the professionals.
Water is good as it will cut off oxygen and cool the heat source.
Powder and foam will smother to cut off oxygen.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) will cut off oxygen but blast of gas may spread ther fire by blowing light material such as paper causing it to set fire to other things.
Don't use water on oil, or a chip pan fire.
At the risk of sounding to vague, rule of thumb use a red one. Try using one that has the letters A, B, C in the diamond (classifications).
NEVER USE AN H2O FIRE EXTENGUISHER! (Most clmmonly silver). Make sure all power is disconnected AsAP as well, then you can use a H2O one.
In the USA an electrical fire is Class C, so you would use a Class BC or ABC for an electrical fire. In other places, electrical fire is Class E.
You would use a dry-chemical, CO2, or "clean agent" (Halon) for an electrical fire, as well as TURNING OFF the electric supply.
Fire extinguishers are separated into distinct categories, each with specific types of fires that they will effectively and safely put out.
Class A is used for wood and paper type fires.
Class B is used for liquid fires, such as gas/petrol.
Class C is used for electical fires.
Class D is used for flammable metal fires, such as magnesium.
Class K is used for cooking oil and grease fires. They are more effective at these types than Class B extinguishers, which work by a different method.
A dry powder extinguisher, a CO2 extinguisher or a halon gas system.
One that does not have any water in it, i.e., dry chemical, CO2 or clean agent such as Halon.
Water and foam extinguishers.
Co2
Extinguishers with a Class C rating (C can be used on Currents)
It is important because fire equipment that has not been rated for electrical fire use may conduct electricity and electro-fry the user, whereas equipment such as electrically rated fire extinguishers (class C) will not conduct electricity, therefore keeping the operator safe. If you want more information on fire extinguishers such as different types and which instance to use them I have provided a link with this post.
FIRE extinguishers are used to put out fire.
They are idea for dealing with wood and paper fires. Never use water on live electrical or petrol fires
Foam spray extinguishers are not recommended for fires involving electricity, but are safer than water if inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical apparatus.
Hi There Around any electrical fires you must always avoid any liquid base Fire Extinguishers. The most effective Fire Extinguisher to use in that case of a microwave or any electrical appliance use a Carbon dioxide Fire Extinguisher.
Anything other than water can be used on an electrical fire. These are often indicated on fire extinguishers as Class ABC or BC or even just C, where class C refers to fires caused by energized electrical conductors.
It is the Class C fires that invlove electrically energized equipments, and they are suppressed using CO2 extinguishers or dry chemical extinguishers. Certainly the use of water or water-based extinguishers or other water-based suppression equipment is not to be considered.
Some fire extinguishers use dry chemicals and some use a foam to extinguish flames. Some fire extinguishers actually still use water, but they're only for use on smaller fires. Others use a dry chemical, mostly sodium bicarbonate, or Carbon Dioxide.
Fire extinguishers!!
At the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion
An electrical fire is a class B fire. If possible, the electricity causing the fire should be shut off. The most common fire extinguisher for this type of fire is an ABC dry chemical extinguisher. Class C can be used in a pinch, but a class A should NEVER be used if the electricity is still present in the fire.