Best Electrical Fire Extinguisher for Home Safety: 2025 Expert Review
Oli - OR Electrics
18th Edition Qualified Electrician
Electrical fires are a homeowner's nightmare. Unlike a standard rubbish bin fire, you cannot simply throw water on a sparking fuse box or an overheating charger—water conducts electricity, meaning you risk a severe electric shock on top of the fire hazard.
Working in Leeds, I often visit properties with outdated consumer units or overloaded sockets, particularly in student HMOs or older back-to-back terraces. While preventative testing (EICR) is your first line of defence, having the correct extinguisher to hand is critical if the worst happens.
In this review, I have categorised three extinguishers that tackle electrical fires safely. I'll explain which ones leave a horrible mess, which ones handle modern Lithium-ion batteries, and which one is stylish enough to keep on your kitchen worktop.
Live in Leeds?
Worried about old wiring or tripping fuses?
Get a free quote for an electrical safety check.
Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Dry Powder Suitability"
"Dry powder extinguishers are marketed as 'multi-purpose' and safe for electrical fires up to 1000V."
Whilst they put the fire out, the powder is incredibly fine and corrosive. Inside a home, it destroys electronics, ruins soft furnishings, and creates a cloud that reduces visibility. Use them, but be prepared for the cleanup.
The Spec: "Lithium-ion Battery Safety"
"Standard extinguishers can handle small electrical fires."
Standard CO2 or Powder extinguishers struggle with thermal runaway in Lithium-ion batteries (e-scooters, phones). You really need a specialist agent like Firexo or a dedicated Lith-Ex unit for these modern hazards.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
UltraFire 1kg Powder Fire Extinguisher - Car, Taxi, Caravan, Camping, Boat - Kitemarked EN3
UltraFire
This is a standard dry powder unit. It is cost-effective and versatile, capable of handling solid combustibles, flammable liquids, and gases, as well as being safe around live electricals. It is the basic requirement for compliance without breaking the bank.
The Good
- Very affordable budget option
- Compact size fits easily in cupboards or vehicles
- Safe for use on live electrical equipment (non-conductive)
The Bad
- Powder residue is extremely messy and corrosive
- Discharge reduces visibility in small rooms
- Not specialised for Lithium-ion battery fires
Installer Tip:
I recommend keeping this in the boot of your car or a garage. Inside the house, the powder gets everywhere and can ruin sensitive electronics that weren't even involved in the fire. It puts the fire out, but the cleanup is a nightmare.
Priced at £18.50 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFirexo All in One Fire Extinguisher (2 Litre / 2 kg) - Multipurpose Extinguisher for ALL FIRES inc. Li-ion Battery Fires!
Firexo
This is a serious upgrade from standard powder or foam. The Firexo liquid handles absolutely every fire class, including electrical and Lithium-ion batteries. For a modern home full of gadgets, e-bikes, and chargers, this is the safest all-rounder available.
The Good
- Handles every single fire type, removing confusion during panic
- Crucial for homes with Lithium-ion batteries (phones, scooters)
- No messy powder residue to clean up
The Bad
- Higher initial cost than standard powder units
- Liquid based, so check specific limitations on high voltage (though safe for domestic 230V)
Installer Tip:
This is the one I'd have on the landing or in the kitchen. In an emergency, you don't want to be checking labels to see if it's safe for the toaster or the bin. You just want to grab it and spray. The 2L size gives you a decent discharge time to tackle a growing flame.
Priced at £43.25 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFirexo All in One Stainless Steel Fire Extinguisher 500ml Chrome
Firexo
The biggest problem with fire extinguishers is that people hide them away because they look industrial and ugly. This chrome unit solves that issue. It's small, stylish, and effective, meaning you're more likely to keep it visible on a worktop where it's actually accessible.
The Good
- Stylish chrome finish encourages visible placement
- Lightweight enough for anyone to use (elderly or mobility issues)
- Same powerful all-in-one formula as the larger unit
The Bad
- Small capacity (500ml) - only suitable for very small/start-up fires
- Price per litre is higher due to the premium finish
Installer Tip:
Keep this right next to your kettle or toaster. Its small size means it won't tackle a fully ablaze living room, but it is perfect for nipping a small kitchen electrical fire in the bud before it spreads. The best extinguisher is the one you can reach in 3 seconds.
Priced at £32.04 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire?
What is the best extinguisher for a home with older wiring?
Why do electricians dislike dry powder extinguishers indoors?
Do I need a specific extinguisher for e-bike or phone batteries?
Need Professional Emergency Electrical Services?
Our team at OR Electrics specialises in Emergency Electrical Services across Leeds.
Get a free quote for professional assistance.
View Our Emergency Electrical Services Service