Electrical fires require which type of fire extinguisher?

Electrical fires require which type of fire extinguisher?

• A. Type A
• B. Type C
• C. Type B
• D. Type D

Answer: (B)

Fires that involve energized electrical equipment require a non-conductive extinguishing agent. A Class C extinguisher (often available as an ABC extinguisher with electrical capability) uses dry chemical powder or a clean agent that does not conduct electricity and that interrupts the flame without creating a conductive path. Water-based extinguishers are dangerous on live electrical fires because water can conduct electricity and put the responder at risk of shock. Extinguishers designed for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals won’t protect against energized electrical fires and may be ineffective or unsafe. If the power can be safely shut off, that should be done, but when the equipment is live, the appropriate choice is a non-conductive extinguisher intended for electrical fires.

Fires that involve energized electrical equipment require a non-conductive extinguishing agent. A Class C extinguisher (often available as an ABC extinguisher with electrical capability) uses dry chemical powder or a clean agent that does not conduct electricity and that interrupts the flame without creating a conductive path. Water-based extinguishers are dangerous on live electrical fires because water can conduct electricity and put the responder at risk of shock. Extinguishers designed for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals won’t protect against energized electrical fires and may be ineffective or unsafe. If the power can be safely shut off, that should be done, but when the equipment is live, the appropriate choice is a non-conductive extinguisher intended for electrical fires.