What should you never use to extinguish an electrical fire?

Using water to extinguish an electrical fire is extremely dangerous and should always be avoided. Water is a conductor of electricity, and using it on an electrical fire can create a risk of electrocution. When water comes into contact with energized electrical equipment or wiring, the electrical current can travel through the water, potentially harming anyone nearby and spreading the fire instead of extinguishing it.

In contrast, other extinguishing agents like specific fire extinguishers designed for electrical fires (usually rated as Class C) can safely suppress the flames without conducting electricity. Additionally, options like soda and salt are not standard methods for extinguishing electrical fires. While they might have some mitigating properties, they do not provide the safety and effectiveness that proper fire extinguishing agents do. Understanding the nature of different fire types and how to handle them safely is crucial for effective fire prevention and response.