For a fire caused by an electrical appliance short-circuit, the appropriate fire suppressant is a dry chemical extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is effective because it can smother the fire without conducting electricity, which is crucial for electrical fires. Dry chemical extinguishers typically contain agents like mono-ammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, which help to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire, effectively putting it out. It’s important not to use water or wet chemicals on electrical fires, as they can conduct electricity and exacerbate the situation.

References: The use of dry chemical fire extinguishers for electrical fires is a standard safety protocol, as they provide a non-conductive means to extinguish the fire, aligning with the safety measures outlined in the EC-Council’s Certified Network Defender (CND) program12.