Science Concept: Don’t Mix Water and Electricity

If an appliance catches fire, your first reaction might be to throw water on it. DON’T DO IT! Water conducts electricity. Any electricity still flowing through the appliance can travel up the stream of water and shock you.

Keep in mind, too, that not all extinguishers are made to be used on electrical fires. Extinguishers rated A are for wood, paper, and cloth; those rated B are for combustible liquids like gasoline. Use an extinguisher with a C rating (most household extinguishers are rated C), which can be safely used on all fires, including electrical. Do you know where the fire extinguisher is in your house?

Click here for a High Power science concept: What Is a Ground Fault?

Use these links to visit another section of the site.

The Body Electric		The World of Wires		Dangerous Waters		It's a Gas		You've Got the Power		Fire in the Sky