Class C fires involve which type of hazard?

Class C fires involve which type of hazard?

• A. Ordinary combustibles
• B. Electrical equipment
• C. Flammable liquids
• D. Metals

Answer: (B)

Fires involving energized electrical equipment create a hazard primarily from the presence of electrical energy, which can shock you or arc even as you try to fight the fire. This is why the correct answer identifies electrical equipment as the hazard. Fires of this type require non-conductive extinguishing media that are safe for live electrical equipment, such as certain dry chemical powders or CO2, and it’s important to de-energize the equipment if it can be done safely before attacking the fire. Water must be avoided on energized electrical fires because it can conduct electricity and pose a serious shock risk. The other hazards—ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and metals—refer to different fire classes and require different extinguishing approaches.

Fires involving energized electrical equipment create a hazard primarily from the presence of electrical energy, which can shock you or arc even as you try to fight the fire. This is why the correct answer identifies electrical equipment as the hazard. Fires of this type require non-conductive extinguishing media that are safe for live electrical equipment, such as certain dry chemical powders or CO2, and it’s important to de-energize the equipment if it can be done safely before attacking the fire. Water must be avoided on energized electrical fires because it can conduct electricity and pose a serious shock risk. The other hazards—ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and metals—refer to different fire classes and require different extinguishing approaches.