Which type of fire extinguisher is commonly used for electrical fires?

A CO2 extinguisher is commonly used for electrical fires because it works by displacing the oxygen around flames, effectively suffocating the fire without leaving any residue behind that could damage electrical equipment. Since CO2 is a non-conductive gas, it is safe to use on live electrical fires without the risk of electric shock.

Other types of extinguishers, such as water or foam, can conduct electricity and pose a significant risk when used on electrical fires. While D class extinguishers are designed for specific metal fires, they are not applicable to electrical fires, making CO2 the suitable choice for safely extinguishing such incidents.