Which agents should be used to extinguish fires involving sensitive electrical equipment?

When dealing with fires that involve sensitive electrical equipment, the use of carbon dioxide or a clean agent is the most appropriate choice because these agents effectively extinguish the fire without causing further damage to the equipment or adding to the electrical hazard.

Carbon dioxide works by displacing oxygen around the fire, smothering it, while also leaving no residue, which is crucial for sensitive devices that could be harmed by water or chemical residues. Clean agents, such as Halon or other modern alternatives, also serve a similar purpose; they do not conduct electricity, do not leave any harmful residues, and quickly extinguish the fire without causing harm to delicate components.

In contrast, using water or foam could lead to significant damage to the electrical equipment and create a risk of electrocution. Dry chemical agents may leave a residue that can corrode or interfere with the operation of electrical devices. Foam or wet chemical extinguishing agents are typically used for flammable liquid fires and may also pose a risk to sensitive electronics. Thus, carbon dioxide or a clean agent remains the safest and most effective choice in such scenarios.