Which statement about CO2 extinguishing agents is true for electrical fires?

Which statement about CO2 extinguishing agents is true for electrical fires?

• A. They displace oxygen and leave no residue, making them suitable for electrical fires
• B. They are highly conductive and should be used on electrical fires
• C. They react with metal to form protective coatings
• D. They leave a corrosive residue after discharge

Answer: (A)

CO2 extinguishing agents work by displacing the surrounding air, effectively smothering the fire, and they leave no residue after discharge. This combination is ideal for electrical fires because there’s no conductive residue or moisture that could create new electrical paths or cause short circuits, and the gas itself is non-conductive. The area should be unoccupied or well-ventilated, since CO2 can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces. The other statements aren’t accurate: CO2 is not highly conductive, it doesn’t react with metal to form protective coatings, and it doesn’t leave a corrosive residue.

CO2 extinguishing agents work by displacing the surrounding air, effectively smothering the fire, and they leave no residue after discharge. This combination is ideal for electrical fires because there’s no conductive residue or moisture that could create new electrical paths or cause short circuits, and the gas itself is non-conductive. The area should be unoccupied or well-ventilated, since CO2 can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces. The other statements aren’t accurate: CO2 is not highly conductive, it doesn’t react with metal to form protective coatings, and it doesn’t leave a corrosive residue.