Water (APW) Fire Extinguishers
APW's extinguish fire by taking away the "heat" element of the Fire Triangle.
Using water on a flammable liquid fire could cause the fire to spread.
- Using water on an electrical fire increases the risk of electrocution. If you have no choice but to use an APW on an electrical fire, make sure the electrical equipment is un-plugged or de-energized.
- APWs will be found in older buildings, particularly in public hallways.
- It is important to remember, however, that electrical equipment must be disconnected from its electrical source before using a water extinguisher on it.