Safety regulations prohibit extinguishing fires in electrical installations with water or foam. In this regard, a set of means for extinguishing fires with a specific specification was specially developed.
Fighting fires in electrical installations is complicated by a number of factors accompanying a fire. First of all, the presence of high voltage on live parts, which makes it impossible to use fire extinguishing means, extinguishing substances in which can conduct an electric current. The second factor that complicates fire extinguishing is the presence of cable insulation in the fire site. Cable rubber and PVC will burn at very high temperatures and may self-ignite even after the flame has been knocked out. The question of what type of fire extinguisher to use in the elimination of fires in electrical installations should be considered taking into account the characteristics and current state of the electrical network.
Foam and water extinguishers
Fire extinguishers of the ОВ, ОХП, ОВП series are applicable for extinguishing fires in electrical installations that are not energized. Permission to use water and foam fire extinguishers can be given only on the basis of a statement by the dispatcher of the electrical network section where the fire occurred, about the complete removal of voltage with the presence of a visible break in the switching device supplying this section. When using water and foam fire extinguishers, direct the stream of extinguishing agent directly into the fire, and not try to knock down the flame. Fire extinguishers are effective for localizing a fire from a distance of 1-2 meters.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
From a series of gas fire extinguishers for extinguishing fires in electrical installations under voltage, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers of the OU series are widespread. Their main advantage is the low temperature of the extinguishing agent jet, which effectively knocks down flames and eliminates the fire of non-ferrous metals. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers require careful adherence to safety precautions when using them. They are forbidden to extinguish a fire in closed rooms in order to avoid poisoning, and they also cannot touch unprotected parts of the body to the bell, which has a very low temperature.
Powder fire extinguishers
Powder fire extinguishers are most often used as the main means of fire protection in electrical installations. They effectively localize the source of fire and bring down the flames. The fire extinguishing component in them is an inert powder that prevents oxygen from reaching the combustion center. Powder fire extinguishers marked with OP are indispensable for extinguishing cable insulation: they cover the burning material with a dense layer and prevent re-ignition. Powder fire extinguishers can be used in live electrical installations.