Class C extinguishers are for energized electrical equipment.

Class C extinguishers are for energized electrical equipment.

• A. Class A fires
• B. Class B fires
• C. Class C fires
• D. Class D fires

Answer: (C)

Fires in energized electrical equipment require a nonconductive extinguishing agent to prevent electric shock while putting out the flame. Extinguishers designed for electrical fires use nonconductive agents such as dry chemical powder or specialized clean agents (like certain CO2 types), which allow you to attack the fire without conducting electricity back to you. Water- or other conductive-agent extinguishers are dangerous on energized circuits because they can carry current and risk electrocution or worsen the situation. That’s why an extinguisher labeled for electrical fires is the appropriate choice for this scenario. If the equipment can be safely de-energized, you would switch to the extinguisher type appropriate for the fuel involved (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals).

Fires in energized electrical equipment require a nonconductive extinguishing agent to prevent electric shock while putting out the flame. Extinguishers designed for electrical fires use nonconductive agents such as dry chemical powder or specialized clean agents (like certain CO2 types), which allow you to attack the fire without conducting electricity back to you. Water- or other conductive-agent extinguishers are dangerous on energized circuits because they can carry current and risk electrocution or worsen the situation. That’s why an extinguisher labeled for electrical fires is the appropriate choice for this scenario. If the equipment can be safely de-energized, you would switch to the extinguisher type appropriate for the fuel involved (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals).