Final answer:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires involving equipment like computers as they do not conduct electricity and leave no residue. Water, foam, and dry chemical extinguishers are not recommended due to risks of conduction or potential damage to electronics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate type of fire extinguishers for energized electrical equipment such as cables, computers, projectors, and laptops is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers. These extinguishers do not leave a residue that might harm the equipment and are non-conductive, making them safe to use on electrical fires. Water-based extinguishers should never be used on an electrical fire as water conducts electricity, and using it can lead to a risk of electrical shock. Foam extinguishers are not suitable because the foaming agent can conduct electricity, and dry chemical extinguishers could damage sensitive electronic equipment.
Historically, compounds such as carbon tetrachloride were used in fire extinguishers for electrical fires, but these have been phased out due to the production of toxic gases such as phosgene during decomposition. Modern fire safety emphasizes the use of extinguishing agents that are effective yet have a minimal environmental and health impact, such as CO2 or clean agent extinguishers that use halon alternatives.