What type/s of extinguisher may be used on a non-electrical fire?

• A. Water glycol extinguisher and Halon extinguisher
• B. Dry chemical extinguisher
• C. CO2 extinguisher
• D. Foam extinguisher

Answer: (A)

When tackling a fire that does not involve live electrical equipment, you want extinguishing methods that both cool the fuel and disrupt the flame chemistry without risking electrical hazards. Water glycol extinguisher is effective for ordinary combustibles because it cools the fuel and reduces heat to prevent re-ignition. Halon extinguisher works by interrupting the chemical reactions occurring in the flame, providing a clean, residue-free suppression that can handle a range of fuels without relying on cooling. Together, they cover common non-electrical fire scenarios: cooling for Class A fuels and a chemical-quenching option for other fire types.

Other extinguishers have their uses, but they have limitations in non-electrical fires—for example, CO2 can be ineffective in larger or unsealed spaces and may displace oxygen, while foam and dry chemical also have situational drawbacks depending on the fuel and environment.