For electrical fires, which class of extinguisher is appropriate?

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

Answer: (C)

Electrical fires require an extinguisher with a non-conductive extinguishing agent and one rated for use on energized equipment. Water-based extinguishers are unsafe on live electrical fires because they can conduct electricity and pose a shock risk or spread the current. Extinguishers designed for electrical fires use non-conductive agents such as dry chemical powders or clean agents like CO2, which help suppress the flame without creating an electrical path for current. If it’s safe to do so, shut off the power before fighting the fire, but if the power must remain on, rely on the non-conductive extinguisher to avoid electrical shock. Other extinguisher types are intended for different fuel sources and aren’t appropriate for live electrical fires.