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------------------------------------------------ A fire extinguisher containing water should be used to extinguish Class "A" fires.

Why shouldn't water-based fire extinguishers be used to extinguish electrical fires? Explain your answer.

Answer :

Final answer:

Water should not be used on electrical fires because it conducts electricity, which can spread the fire and increase the risk of electrocution.

Explanation:

Water-based fire extinguishers should not be used to extinguish electrical fires because water is a conductor of electricity. When water is applied to an electrical fire, it provides a path for the current to spread, which can potentially worsen the fire and create the risk of electrocution. Electrical fires are typically caused by a large current going through a resistor, leading to overheating and possibly igniting nearby flammable materials.

To safely interrupt the current, devices like circuit breakers are used in modern electrical systems. Therefore, using water on an electrical fire is not advised due to the danger of conducting electricity and exacerbating the situation. Water-based fire extinguishers should not be used to extinguish electrical fires because water is a conductor of electricity.

When water is introduced to an electrical fire, it can conduct the electricity and potentially create a shock hazard. Additionally, water can cause the fire to spread by spreading the electrical current to other flammable materials.