Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?

A dry chemical extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires primarily due to its ability to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire while being non-conductive. These extinguishers typically contain agents like monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, which effectively suppress flames without risking electrical shock to the operator.

When dealing with electrical fires, it's crucial to use an extinguishing agent that will not conduct electricity; the dry chemical composition is specifically designed for this purpose. This type of extinguisher can safely extinguish fires in energized electrical equipment.

Other types of extinguishers, such as water extinguishers, would be inappropriate as water conducts electricity, which poses a significant risk of shock. Foam extinguishers are also not suitable for electrical fires as they can contain water. Similarly, while sand can smother some types of fires, it is not a practical or efficient method for quickly extinguishing electrical fires.