What is the principal drawback of potassium chloride as a dry chemical agent?

Potassium chloride, while effective in extinguishing certain types of fires, has the significant drawback of being highly corrosive. This corrosiveness poses a risk to various surfaces and materials, which can lead to additional damage beyond the fire itself. Unlike some other fire suppression agents that are designed to be safe on multiple types of surfaces, potassium chloride requires careful consideration regarding where it can be used. This characteristic makes it less favorable in some scenarios, particularly in environments where potential corrosive damage could be a concern. Understanding this limitation is crucial for anyone involved in fire suppression practices, as the choice of extinguishing agent must balance effectiveness with potential for secondary damage.