Question

You maintain the network for an industrial manufacturing company. A short-eircuit of a switch in the server room starts an electrical fire.

Which of the following should you use to suppress the fire?
A. Water or soda acid
B. Halon or CO₂
C. Dry powders
D. CO₂ or FM200

Answer 1

To suppress an electrical fire in a server room, use non-conductive extinguishing agents like Halon, CO₂, or FM200. Water or soda acid is unsafe, and dry powders could damage equipment. Halon and CFCs have environmental impacts, but remain effective fire suppressants. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

If there is an electrical fire in a server room, caused by a short-circuit in a switch, you should use a non-conductive extinguishing agent.

Water or soda acid (A) can conduct electricity and are therefore unsafe for electrical fires. Dry powders (C) can be effective on certain types of fires, but there is a risk of damaging sensitive electronic equipment. Carbon tetrachloride (formerly used) produces toxic phosgene when exposed to fire, which is why it's no longer recommended.

The best choice would be either Halon or CO₂ (B), or CO₂ or FM200 extinguishers because they are non-conductive and won't damage electronic equipment. Halons, which include CFCs, were once popular but are less used due to environmental concerns. Using these agents helps prevent further damage to the electrical components while effectively suppressing the fire.