Some fire extinguishers operate on the basis of blasting materials that are conductive and hence, when inappropriately utilized, they are likely to destroy sensitive electronics and gadgets. Among all types of extinguishers, water-based ones are considered to be the most dangerous for electronics. This ranges from water tender, wet chemical tender, foam tender, and water mist tender.
Water extinguishers operate by issuing a flow of water in the direction of the fire. But still, water does conduct electricity and the electronic devices or the body may experience short circuit if comes into contact with water. Another way in which the pressurized stream of water can cause harm is by the force exerted by the stream on the equipment and kicking off parts of the equipment. Notably, even after the fire is out, water left on the devices may continue dripping, and when it drips on the circuitry, it can lead to extensive damages. It can lead to rusting, short circuiting, and other forms of damage that are long-term effects.
Wet chemical extinguishers are also filled with water-based solution and operate in like fashion as a wet chemical extinguisher. The expelled chemicals are also conductive, and thus they can ruin electronic devices through causing short circuits. Water and foam-forming solution is used in foam extinguishers. While it is effective in extinguishing the fire, the foam has a certain amount of water in it and this poses the risk of damaging electronics. Water mist systems albeit slightly less dangerous in terms of electrical conductivity, poses the risk of moisture exposure to delicate electronics.
The mostly acceptable ways of combating fires in the vicinity of delicate electronics include use of dry chemical and clean agents or halocarbon extinguishers. Dry chemical fire extinguishers release powdered bicarbonate compounds which interrupt the chemical reactions taking place in the fire. These non-conductive particles help in extinguishing fire without increasing the chances of short circuit. Clean agent extinguishers discharge gases which are non-conductive, do not leave any residue and operate under pressure. This makes them fit well in electronics areas. Nevertheless, they are slightly more costly as compared to other alternatives.
Water and AU systems based fire extinguishers such as water, wet chemical, foam, and water mist could pose threats in the form of water infiltration, short circuiting, corrosion over time and mechanical impacts. The dry chemical and clean agent extinguishers are more appropriate in vicinity to sensitive electronic equipment. Precautions should however be taken even with these options not to expose the structure of a building to direct blast forces which would harm sensitive electrical wiring and equipment in case of fire breakout. Choosing fire extinguisher type, application and location minimizes detrimental consequences for electronics due to fire suppression attempts.
